E-drug: Banning metamisole in Moldova
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Dear colleagues,
DrugInfo Moldova has initiated a debate about the banning of
metamisole in the country. The independent drug bulletin Medex
published a few articles on this issue and informed the Ministry of
Health, the National Institute of Pharmacy and the Medical and
Pharmacy University.
The situation in Moldova as well as in former republics of the USSR
is compounded by two elements, namely the huge popularity of
these products among physicians and the population, and the
possibility to get them over the counter in community pharmacies.
In Moldova metamizole is registered in 27 preparations from coming
from the following countries: Romania - 5 preparations, Bulgaria - 4;
Ukraine - 4; Germany -2; Estonia - 2; Belarus - 2; Moldova - 2;
Greece - 1; Lithuania - 1; Vietnam - 1; Russia -1.
During a workshop on drug access in December 6 2001, DrugInfo
Moldova called on Moldavian's officials to withdraw metamisole from
the market. Dr. Boris Parii, director of the National Pharmaceutical
Institute considered that Moldova needed a long time for banning
metamisole. He claimed that clear data about its adverse effects
were lacking. And he explained that huge efforts aimed at educating
professionals and the public would be needed. Representatives of
a Moldavian firm that produces metamisole argued that regulatory
authorities gave no information about the banning of metamisole,
and that no cases of adverse reaction have been reported in
Moldova.
All participants agreed on the need to provide information and
education on this risky drug, in order to increase awareness of
Moldovian people about adverse reactions to metamisole, and its
awaited ban. The bulletin Medex, as an independent source of drug
information, was considered to be in the best position to do that.
Following this workshop the National Pharmaceutical Institute has
initiated the process for excluding metamisole from the National
Essential Drug list.
Request:
1. We kindly ask you to send us review about side effects of
metamisole or any relevant information .
2. More common question from physicians and pharmacists: What
kind of medicines in your countries are used instead of metamisole?
Natalia Cebotarenco, PhD
Chair of DrugInfo Moldova.
Editor of "Medex",
Address:
DrugInfo Moldova
#2; Bogdan Voevod 2a;
Chisinau, 2068, Moldova
Tel/Fax (3732) 444-012
e-mail office@drugs.mldnet.com
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