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Switzerland to limit sales of painkillers during coronavirus crisis

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Switzerland to limit sales of painkillers during coronavirus crisis
Medications like Dafalgan will now be rationed in Switzerland. Photo by Photo by GEORGES GOBET / AFP

The Federal Council limits the purchase of drugs based on paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen, and codeine.

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Pharmacies are now only allowed to sell one package per customer.

The new regulation, which will be in force for six months, concerns a series of medicines based on acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) calcium carbasalate, metamizole, paracetamol, ibuprofen, diclofenac, mefenamic acid, codeine, noscapine, dextromethorphan, and opiates.

These substances are found in popular medications sold in Switzerland under the brand names Tylenol, Dafalgan, Irfen, Algifor, Alcacyl, and Voltaren.

They are commonly taken to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.

READ MORE: Coronavirus fake news watch: No, Swiss hospitals are not overrun

Excluded from the rule are patients with chronic conditions, who will only be able to obtain these medications by doctor’s prescription in the quantity necessary to cover a maximum of two months.

Health authorities warn that patients infected with coronavirus should abstain from using anti-inflammatories containing ibuprofen, such as Irfen and Algifor, as these medications could exacerbate lung infections.

READ ALSO: France and the WHO warn against taking anti-inflammatories for coronavirus fever

 

 


Switzerland's confirmed Covid-19 cases now number 3,028, although the real figure is likely much higher given not every suspected case is being tested.

To curb the further spread of coronavirus, the Federal Council declared on Monday a state of emergency

READ MORE: UPDATE: Switzerland declares state of emergency over coronavirus 

All public or private events are prohibited.

"All shops, markets, restaurants, bars, entertainment and leisure establishments such as museums, libraries, cinemas, concert halls, theatres, sports centres, swimming pools and ski areas are closed", the government said.

Food shops, petrol stations, hotels, banks and post offices are among the facilities that will remain open.

The restrictions also include school closures and stricter controls at all borders.

 

 

 


 

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