Avoiding the Risky: France's 2026 Medicine List Revealed
In a recent development, the annual review of medicines to avoid in France has been published, shedding light on four new additions and the potential risks they pose. This list, compiled by Medical Review Prescrire, aims to highlight medications where the benefits are outweighed by the associated dangers.
The full list for 2026, accessible at https://www.prescrire.org/medicaments-et-evaluations/medicaments-a-ecarter, includes a total of 108 medicines. Among these, four are new entries, with three still accessible in France and none covered by the Assurance maladie.
The New Entries:
- Fezolinetant (Veoza): Marketed by Astellas, this medication is designed to prevent hot flushes in menopausal women. However, Prescrire warns of severe hepatitis as a potential side effect.
- Gefapixant (Lyfnua): Developed by Merck, this drug is intended for chronic cough patients. Prescrire notes frequent taste disorders and an increased pneumonia risk.
- Chondroitin (Chondrosulf): Promoted by Ibsa for osteoarthritis, Prescrire states its effectiveness is unproven and rare cases may lead to serious allergic reactions.
- Andexanet alfa: Sold by Alexion, this emergency treatment for severe hemorrhages is suspected of causing serious cardiovascular issues.
Controversial Exclusions:
Two medicines previously on the list have been removed. Obeticholic acid, used for primary biliary cholangitis, is no longer recommended due to liver risks. Piracetam, a psychostimulant, was reanalyzed for cortical myoclonus, revealing an uncertain clinical benefit versus the risk of hemorrhages and weight gain.
Common Medicines on the List:
The list categorizes medicines by medical area, including diabetes, gynaecology, cardiology, pain management, and more. Some common entries include anti-diarrhea medications (Smecta, Smectalia), antibiotics (moxifloxacin), antiemetics (domperidone, droperidol, metopimazine), and epilepsy treatments (fenfluramine).
Are These Medicines Dangerous?
While some medicines on the list can be dangerous, Prescrire emphasizes a negative risk-benefit ratio. This means the potential side effects outweigh the benefits. The list categorizes medicines into four groups, ranging from proven effectiveness with disproportionate risks to unproven effectiveness with serious side effects.
Why Are These Medicines Still Available?
The list is not legally binding; Prescrire is an independent medical review. Most medicines make it to market after passing EU tests and are considered at least as good as a placebo. Prescrire aims to provide unbiased, reliable information to healthcare professionals and patients.
Specialist Opinions:
Some specialists appreciate Prescrire's independence, while others express concern about patient fear, especially for those with limited alternatives.
What Should Patients Do?
Prescrire's advice is an additional resource, but individual cases may vary. Patients are advised to consult their doctors before making any changes, especially for prescription medications. Prescrire acknowledges the range of patient choices, from refusing treatment to trying any drug with a chance of improvement, even with serious side effects. It emphasizes the importance of a favorable risk-benefit balance in clinical practice.
Conclusion:
The 2026 medicine list serves as a reminder of the importance of informed decision-making in healthcare. While it provides valuable insights, individual patient circumstances and professional advice should always be prioritized.
What are your thoughts on this list? Do you think it raises important considerations for patient safety? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments!
