The metamizole, painkiller And antipyretic used for years and present in various drugs, it ends up under the scrutiny of AIFA for a side effect as rare as it is insidious: theagranulocytosis. This condition, which reduces drastically i white blood cellscan turn into a serious problem, especially if not recognized in time. The Italian Medicines Agency has therefore decided to warn doctors and patients, inviting them to keep their attention high on symptoms that could hide this reaction.
AIFA’s warning on metamizole
The Medicines Agency, which as always informs about specific situations, such as that of unobtainable drugs, has issued a warning for those taking metamizole.
The alarm bells – writes AIFA – include persistent fever, chills, sore throat and ulcers painful in the mouth, nose or genital area. “These symptoms can occur at any time during treatment, even shortly after it is stopped,” warns the Agency. That is why patients should stop taking the drug immediately and consult a doctor if they are facing such situations.
The problem becomes even more complex if metamizole is used to combat fever. The hallmarks of a developing agranulocytosis are likely to be confused with a seasonal infectionmaking it difficult to catch the problem in time.
It is not only AIFA that is moving: last July also theEuropean regulatory body has launched an in-depth review into metamizole, with the aim of painting a more complete picture of its side effects. Meanwhile, recommendations for safer management of the drug are shared with healthcare professionals, in the hope of preventing serious consequences for those who take it. A useful drug, yes, but one that requires awareness.
What to do if you are hired
When agranulocytosis is suspected, the obligatory step is blood tests, which allow this reaction to be confirmed or excluded. In the meantime, treatment with metamizole should be discontinued. “If agranulocytosis is confirmed, the treatment must not be reintroduced”, specifies the AIFA note, adding that routine blood monitoring is not recommended.
Then there are cases, reports AIFA, in which metamizole is not an option to take into consideration. Who has already lived similar adverse reactions or suffer from bone marrow problems should keep him away. This is because the drug could pose too high a risk for those who are already vulnerable. The indications serve to protect those who may be most exposed, avoiding potentially dangerous situations.
