Nolotil now banned for Brits in Spain
The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has announced that Nolotil is now banned for Brits in Spain, after “recent notification to the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System of cases of agranulocytosis , particularly in patients of British origin”.
I was previously prescribed Nolotil by a dentist in Lanzarote, to help with pain before and after root canal surgery. I had no ill effects, thankfully… although it was certainly one of the most effective and fast pain relievers I have ever taken.
However, it looks like I was one of the lucky ones. According to The Times newspaper in the UK, “Blood poisoning and amputation are among the agonies endured by more than 100 tourists and expatriates.”
Agranulocytosis, one of the adverse effects of Nolotil, can lower the body’s defenses in some people and promote the development of sepsis or multiple infections. It can even cause death and is thought to be responsible for the deaths of at least ten British people and at least three Irish people.
The main compound of Nolotil is metamizole, which has a powerful analgesic, antipyretic and spasmolytic effect. In case of any adverse reaction, the patient must go to a health centre immediately for a doctor to determine the cause and stop the treatment. It may be replaced by another one and/or the necessary blood tests may be performed.
In a previous official statement by the AEMPS, Nolotil should only be sold with a prescription and that the results of a previous blood test should be available to avoid its use in patients with agranulocytosis risk factors.
Nolotil is already banned in the UK, Ireland, Australia and the USA.
Elle, along with Alan, is the owner of Spain Buddy and the busy web design business – Spain Web Design by Gandy-Draper.
Born a “Norverner”, she then spent most of her life “Dann Saff” before moving to Spain in 2006. Elle’s loves are Alan, the internet, dogs, good food, and dry white wine – although not necessarily in that order.
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Information correct at time of publication.
Leigh
February 2, 2021 @ 9:48 pm
Hi all
I moved to binisafua in mid November on my own and I am finding it difficult to settle everything seems to be an issue I.e getting groceries is a 4.5km taxi ride each way at significant cost! I need to see an optician urgently any ideas?
Kr
Leigh
Elle Draper
February 3, 2021 @ 11:43 am
Hi Leigh.
I’m sorry to hear that you’re not settling well. It usually takes some time to adjust, plus with Covid on top things can be even harder. Stick with it and ensure that you make some friends locally as soon as you can. You can do this on Facebook in preparation for when free movement around the island is possible again. You’re almost guaranteed to find someone with a car who heads to Eroski on a regular basis. Search for Groups based on Menorca, if there isn’t one really close to you.
I have looked on Google and found three supermarkets within your town and should be walkable. They are all viewable on Google maps. They won’t be large supermarkets, but you should be able to get the basics until you can find a car share friend.
I have found several opticians too – although those are a little further away in Mahón. These too are viewable on Google maps.
Good luck… and remember that times are strange so things may take a little longer to feel like home.
E xx