The end of over-the-counter aspirin?

Aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen… These drugs are very often used as self-medication for conditions like fever, headaches, and other aches and pains.

Yet they are not always used the way they should be. This is why the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM) is considering limiting access to these drugs that are currently available over the counter in any pharmacy.

By making these drugs accessible only with a prescription, ANSM hopes to reduce the risks linked to overdoses, which can cause serious liver damage. In fact in France itself, medication overdoses are the greatest cause of liver transplants.

In the meantime, then, let’s remind ourselves of the guidelines: the maximum daily dose (per 24h) for adults weighing over 50 kilos (approx. 8 stone) is 3 grams, and these drugs should only be taken for 3 days for fever and 5 days for pain, unless your doctor prescribes otherwise.