Delhi govt advises against sale of ibuprofen, aspirin without doc's prescription

NEW DELHI: Considering the recent rise in dengue cases in the city, Delhi government has issued an advisory asking chemists to check the sale of drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac without a doctor's prescription.
"The incidence of detection of cases of vector-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya has been on the rise during the rainy season.There is a likelihood that the number of cases may increase in pre- and post-monsoon season, which is to be monitored very strictly," stated the advisory issued by the drugs control department on July 19.
"It is desired in public interest that during the season of dengue and chikungunya, use of drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac group of medicines (which further cause destruction of platelets in human blood) may be restricted to be sold against the prescription of registered medical practitioner only," it said.
Aspirin is a common tablet used to reduce fever and relieve mild-to-moderate pain from conditions such as muscle ache, toothache, common cold and headache. Ibuprofen, too, has similar usage. It helps relieve headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual cramps, common cold, toothaches and backaches. Diclofenac is used to treat mild-to-moderate pain and helps relieve symptoms of arthritis, such as inflammation, swelling, stiffness and joint pain.
"Retail chemists are advised not to indulge in over-the-counter sale of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen and diclofenac group of medicines with immediate effect till further direction," the advisory said.
It also advised chemists to keep records of stocks of painkiller drugs falling under this category. Stringent action would be taken if they are found flouting these norms, the advisory added.
"This is not the first time such a letter has come up. Earlier too, whenever dengue cases have gone up, the state issued advisories. Shop owners strictly follow orders fearing their licence could be cancelled. Over-the-counter sales usually take place where the chemist knows the patient personally. However, after the advisory, most chemists won't sell drugs without prescription," said Sandeep Nangia from the All-India Chemists' Association.
"These drugs have anti-platelet activity. It decreases both platelet aggregation and function. Platelets are affected by dengue and there is a higher risk of haemorrhage if somebody has dengue. So, if one is taking these medicines without prescription, it could adversely affect the person's health and increase chances of bleeding," Dr Ankita Baidya, consultant, infectious disease, HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka.
As an alternative, one can take paracetamol as per body weight (10mg per kgs), which helps in bringing down fever or relieving headache or bodyache, said the doctor.
"However, even after taking a paracetamol injection or tablet, if a person is not able to get the normal body temperature and if the fever persists, then they can do tepid sponging. But these medicines should be avoided," said Dr Baidya.