Pholcodine-based cough syrup could, in specific circumstances, pose a risk of sudden life-threatening allergic reactions. As a result, its sale may be temporarily suspended.
A French study has found that those who take syrup containing pholcodine and afterwards have to be put under anaesthesia face serious risks. The study even suggests that taking pholcodine up to twelve months before a general anaesthetic can cause an allergic reaction which, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
A risk assessment committee of the European Medicines Agency has therefore decided to temporarily suspend the drug until more research has been carried out, confirmed Ann Eeckhout of the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products. Eeckhout explained that those who are put under anaesthesia often don't plan this far in advance (often it happens in emergency situations). The ban should therefore diminish the risk.
Alternatives in Belgium
In Belgium, only one pholcodine-based cough syrup is on sale: Pholco-Méréprine Mono. It is intended for children from 6 years old and adults. The syrup can be bought without a prescription at pharmacies or ordered online (now no longer possible). In many families, therefore, it could be in the medicine cabinet.
Patients who have the syrup in their homes are asked to discontinue their pholcodine-based treatment and contact their treating doctor or pharmacy, who can offer an alternative.
The European Medicines Agency will in due course communicate the results of further research and will be considered whether the medicine can be used again or not, Het Niewsblad reports.
