Hi everyone , I hope all is well with you.
I have just finished a call from a good friend of mine who lives in Fuerteventura. She had a near death experience after taking a drug called Nolotil but thankfully was saved by the staff at the Hospital in Puerto del Rosario and has now been discharged.
What is Nolotil used for?
Nolotil is a brand name for metamizole. Metamizole is a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug used for the treatment of mild to moderate pain of different origin and variable intensity: toothache, headache, arthralgia, neuralgia, myositis, mild to moderate visceral pain, and high fever.
This drug is banned in Ireland the UK because it is widely believed that we have a higher risk of a severe reaction to it. People with Asthma and Allergies are also more likely to be affected. It is available in pharmacies in Fuerteventura.
Symptoms can begin with anaphylactic shock or even more serious as described in this article https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1506333/warning-the-drug-prescribed-as-a-common-painkiller-to-holidaymakers-in-spain-that-is-potentially-toxic-for-brits/
The medication is also sold under various other names . https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metamizole
It may be wise to avoid taking this medication if you are Asthmatic or suffer from Allergies.
Be safe :)
Love to all.
Fi xx
Hi fifi,
“This drug is banned in Ireland the UK because it is widely believed that we have a higher risk of a severe reaction to it. People with Asthma and Allergies are also more likely to be affected. It is available in pharmacies in Fuerteventuraâ€
Do you know why inhabitants of UK & Ireland are at higher risk ? Seems strange 🙂🙂
Hi Spitfire, personally I have no idea but found this on Wikipedia for you.
Adverse effects
Metamizole has a potential of haematologic (blood-related) toxicity (blood dyscrasias), but causes less kidney, cardiovascular, and GI toxicity than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).[5] Like NSAIDs, it can trigger bronchospasm or anaphylaxis, especially in those with asthma.[7]
Serious side effects include agranulocytosis, aplastic anaemia, hypersensitivity reactions (like anaphylaxis and bronchospasm), toxic epidermal necrolysis and it may provoke acute attacks of porphyria, as it is chemically related to the sulfonamides.[1][5][7] The relative risk for agranulocytosis appears to greatly vary according to the country of estimates on said rate and opinion on the risk is strongly divided.[1][8]
There is a Spanish online petition asking for the medication to be banned.
Google to the rescue ;).....possibly Genetic?
Doctor Carol Cooper said: “It does have toxic effects in some people and it`s not always easy to predict which people.
“It is more likely to cause trouble for people who have asthma and other allergies. There is research that shows that there could be a gene that makes it more toxic.
“It`s potentially more toxic to Brits and Irish than Americans.â€
https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/irishman-died-from-septic-shock-after-taking-prescribed-painkiller-in-spain-34910240.html
"Common knowledge not to give Irish and English people this drug"
Gaining lots of knowledge here. ;) :D
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279307258_Genetic_determinants_of_metamizole_metabolism_modify_the_risk_of_developing_anaphylaxis