Yzabelle Bostyn
AUTHORITIES in Spain have issued a warning to anyone who has EVER taken Nolotil as Europe launches investigation into the painkiller linked to dozens of expat deaths and illnesses.
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The Spanish Users and Consumers Organisation (OCU) has issued a warning to Spaniards who have taken Nolotil, the country’s most popular branded medicine.
It comes after European health authorities begin an investigation into metamizole, Nolotil’s main ingredient, due to the risk of agranulocytosis.
Agranulocytosis, or dangerously low white blood cell count, can cause severe infections, leading to amputations, organ failure and even death.
READ MORE: What is Nolotil? The painkiller sold in Spain that’s been linked to dozens of British deaths
“Nolotil (or the other metamizole drugs) do have other adverse effects. Among them are some very rare, but potentially very serious ones, which lead to blood disorders that can cause death in patients. These effects have been known for a long time and are described in the package insert,” reads the OCU warning.
“The OCU recommends that anyone who has had an allergic reaction to metamizole in the past should inform all healthcare professionals who treat them, as it is a drug that is often used both in primary care and in hospital care after surgery.”
The Finnish government pushed for the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to investigate after measures introduced to control adverse side effects failed.
Between 2011-2015, Finland detected 20 cases of agranulocytosis, including two deaths.
They introduced safety measures to limit the drug but still found seven cases, among them one death, between 2021-2024.
After the EMA’s investigation, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) will assess the evidence gathered.
They will review the risk of agranulocytosis in all products containing metamizole authorised in the European Union, including Nolotil.
Currently, there are 17 metamizole products available in Spain, compared to one in Finland.
According to anti-Nolotil campaigner, Cristina del Campo, there have been hundreds of cases showing adverse effects in Spain, including 45 deaths.
She told the Olive Press: “The Spanish authorities keep telling me the benefits outweigh the risks but there’s hundreds more cases here than in Finland.
“Although I’m really happy it’s finally being looked into, I have been writing to the EMA since 2017 and in those six years there have been many unnecessary deaths. It’s about time.”
Del Campo said the Finnish government have requested her research as part of the EMA investigation.
“I want it banned in the whole of Europe and I have reason to believe it could happen.
“All the victims and their families are very happy, this is a huge deal.”
According to Del Campo, the result of the EMA investigation will hopefully be revealed by September this year.
