Several cold medications were placed on prescription as a precaution. Is this the case of the famous Fervex?
Fervex® is a flagship cold medicine for the French. This range marketed by UPSA laboratories is indicated to relieve runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, headaches and fever. Does it contain pseudoephedrine? Is it now on prescription? Up to date information.
Is Fervex a vasoconstrictor?
The medications available today from the Fervex® range no longer contain vasoconstrictors. “The only reference which contained a vasoconstrictor was the famous Fervex Day and Night® but it has no longer been marketed since September 2017 because it contained pseudoephedrine, a decongestant vasoconstrictive molecule exposing to the risk of stroke among others in certain people at risks“, tells us Nelly Le Grand, doctor of Pharmacy, micronutritionist and phyto-aromatherapist.
What are the dangers of Fervex?
Some people cannot tolerate Fervex® and for good reason these medications are not without side effects. “In my practice, the Fervex range of medications® are specialties that I do not recommend as the precautions for use/contraindications and drug interactions are numerousindicates our interlocutor. Pheniramine and chlorphenamine are 1 antihistaminesera generation (anti-allergic). They have been incorporated into products like Fervex to reduce runny noses and sneezing. These two molecules have no effect on blocked noses“. The main side effects of Fervex® are:
- Drowsiness and reduced alertness.
- Dizziness, with a potential drop in blood pressure when standing.
- Visual disturbances.
- A dry mouth.
- Urinary problems (significant decrease in urine, difficulty urinating).
We avoid recommending them to the elderly, particularly because of the risk of falling. “Also pay attention to the cumulative effects in people who have treatments that already have effects on alertness (painkillers, antihistamines, etc.). Finally, and we do not always think about it, pheniramine or chlorphenamine, through their anticholinergic action can increase the undesirable effects of certain treatments: antidepressants, neuroleptics (with dryness of the mouth, constipation) or reduce the effect of certain medications such as certain medications used in Alzheimer’s disease”specifies Nelly Le Grand.
Does Fervex make you sleep?
The presence of pheniramine in the medication can cause drowsiness, which is more pronounced at the start of treatment. As this drowsiness is increased by alcohol, it is preferable to start treatment in the evening and to abstain from alcoholic beverages for the duration of treatment.
Can you drive after taking Fervex?
Fervex is linked to a risk of drowsiness, driving is not recommended if you have taken this medication. Attention is drawn, particularly among vehicle drivers and machine users, to the possibility of drowsiness or reduced alertness associated with the use of this medication, we can read on the leaflet. This phenomenon is accentuated by taking alcoholic beverages, medications containing alcohol or sedative medications.
What are the contraindications of Fervex medications?
There are formal contraindications to these products:
- Severe liver failure (due to the presence of paracetamol).
- Closed-angle glaucoma.
- Prostatic adenoma because there is a risk of urinary retention (due to the presence of pheniramine and/or chlorophenamine).
Is it dangerous for pregnant women?
“First generation H1 antihistamines are neither teratogenic nor abortifacient, however their effects on the fetus and pregnant women are relatively poorly understood. As a precaution, they should therefore be avoided in the event of pregnancy and during breastfeeding“, reports our expert.
Is it risky in children?
When it comes to children, it’s all a question of dosage. “There is a “child” form of Fervex for those over 6 years old. (Paracetamol 280 mg / Ascorbic acid 100 mg / Pheniramine maleate 10 mg), but for my part, I never recommend it because children seem less impacted or “disturbed” on a daily basis by cold symptoms (runny nose and sneezing) and have the possibility of staying at home for a few days to rest. Paracetamol, alone, can be administered in case of fever or body aches“, says Nelly Le Grand.
What medication should you avoid with Fervex?
“In practice, I always draw the patient’s attention to the fact that the medications in the Fervex range contain paracetamol, a molecule that is found in Doliprane®, Efferalgan®, Dafalgan®, etc. is often the first medication that we have on hand and that we will take as soon as the symptoms begin (headache, fever, body aches)“, reminds our pharmacist. It is therefore advisable not to combine Fervex with these specialties and to wait at least 4 hours between doses, otherwise you risk an overdose of paracetamol, the consequences of which can be fatal for our liver.
What are the alternatives to Fervex?
► In case of fever, body aches or headaches: it is possible to take paracetamol (1 g per dose, 4 g per day maximum for an adult) spacing the doses at least 4 hours apart.
► Regarding nasal discharge, “washing the nose with physiological serum or sea water and frequent blowing of one’s nose remain, in my opinion, the preferred solution. For a child, we will make sure to use a specialty with a soft jet adapted to their age.“, advises Nelly Le Grand.
► If your nose is blocked, “prefer a “hypertonic” nose wash, inhalations or a pocket inhaler (ask your pharmacist for advice as there may also be certain contraindications). And above all, adopt good reflexes: ventilate living rooms and offices, diffuse antiseptic essential oils (also pay attention to contraindications), drink regularly (water or herbal tea), stock up on vitamins (ORGANIC fruits/vegetables) and give get some rest“.
Is Fervex on prescription?
No. Unlike drugs containing pseudoephedrine prescribed by prescription from December 2024 by decision of the Medicines Agency in France, the Fervex range of drugs® is always available without a prescription.
