Belgium 24- Vibelco, a major wholesaler and distributor, announced a significant increase in sales of Sinotab and similar products, up to six times more than usual.
This news came after the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) announced on September 30 the requirement to provide a prescription for the purchase of Sinotab and similar medicines, effective from November 1, 2024.
According to Vibelco reports, 30% of the normal monthly volume of Sinotab has been sold since the beginning of October 2024, and the company saw an unprecedented increase in daily sales on Thursday, October 3, the first business day after the announcement. prescription requirement, as daily sales rose six times the normal October average.
In the case of Sinotab Forte, 34% of the usual monthly quantities have already been sold.
Increase in sales of similar products
Along with the significant increase in Sinotab sales, Vibelco has seen a similar increase in sales of other medicines containing similar active ingredients reflecting consumer concern about the new restrictions to come.
New legislation on medicines containing pseudo-ephedrine
This move comes within the framework of two royal decrees expected to be published soon, which will bring medicines containing pseudoephedrine and fusidic acid under prescription control, including Sinotab and similar medicines, and this legislation is expected to apply from 1 November 2024.
Sinotab and similar medicines are commonly used to treat nasal congestion caused by the common cold, and these medicines usually contain active ingredients such as paracetamol along with pseudoephedrine.
However, the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP) has confirmed that the use of pseudoephedrine is not recommended in any guidelines for the treatment of colds, due to the effects it may cause, which includes the cardiovascular system, nervous, and even health risks.
FAMHP also noted that some of these side effects may be unexpected and unrelated to dosage.
Increase in consumption before restrictions were imposed
The availability of these drugs without prescription is associated with an increase in consumption, which has prompted these regulatory measures to indicate health concerns related to the undirected use of these drugs, with a focus on protecting users from potential threats.
2024-10-06 05:03:45
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