Popular painkiller “may cause heart problems”.
Synap Forte has been
found to be dangerous to the health of people taking the popular pain killer, a South African court has found.
The Medicines Control Council (MCC) obtained an urgent court order to stop the continued sale of potentially deadly medicines, particularly those containing dextropropoxyphene (DPP).
The MCC, Registrar of Medicines, health minister and director general of health launched the application at the High Court in Pretoria.
The drug was banned after a study showed that it increases the risk of heart attacks. It is sometimes prescribed as a painkiller to pregnant women and post-operatively to new mothers. Some gynaecologists stopped prescribing the drug after many pharmacies stopped stocking it. In April 2011 courts banned the sale of the drug, however, the following month the manufacturers launched an appeal and continued selling it. You can read all about the case here at
Health24.What to do if you’re taking Synap Forte- Health professionals have been given a three-month weaning period for patients taking Synap Forte.
- Some pharmacies say that they will continue dispensing the drug until they have written notice, so keep looking if you choose to take it
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice regarding a safe substitute
The medical community is at odds as to the safety of the drug, and the ruling will likely stimulate further caution when it comes to recommending its use. The US and UK have already banned drugs containing DPP.
Did your doctor prescribe Synap Forte to you during pregnancy or after birth?
