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Date Published: 05/04/2024

Spanish Prosecutor begins investigation into deadly Nolotil drug

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Many foreigners in Spain have been made ill by taking the painkiller, which is banned in many countries around the world

Spanish Prosecutor begins investigation into deadly Nolotil drug

The Prosecutor’s Office of the National Court in Spain is looking into possible health concerns related to adverse effects linked to Nolotil. This investigation follows a complaint filed by the Patient Ombudsman and subsequent complaints received by the State Attorney General’s Office, the Madrid Provincial Prosecutor’s Office by the Association of People Affected by Drugs (ADAF).

Nolotil is the brand name of the painkiller metamizole, which is banned in 40 countries but widely available throughout Spain. It has been linked to dozens of cases of serious illness and even death, particularly among Irish and British patients.

The National Court in Spain has appointed a prosecutor to oversee the initial investigative procedures, with the stated aim of safeguarding citizens’ ‘fundamental right to physical integrity concerning health protection’.

As part of the investigative process, the Prosecutor’s Office has requested specific information from the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS). These requests include identification of the manufacturers, importers, marketers, and distributors of Nolotil in Spain; details regarding the authorisations granted for the medication; reports on adverse reactions from the drug; and information on countries that have withdrawn Nolotil from the market and reasons for its continued availability in Spain.

ADAF has highlighted concerns over the safety of medications containing metamizole, such as Nolotil, which are widely used in Spain for pain management. They criticised the lack of proactive communication regarding the risks associated with these drugs, especially for foreign visitors or residents in Spain. Despite alerts from pharmacovigilance, the ADAF observed a lack of action from authorities, leading to serious health consequences for individuals.

They have emphasised the need for accountability regarding the prescription and promotion of medications containing metamizole. They questioned why these drugs are permitted in Spain despite being banned in other countries due to safety concerns. Additionally, they called for more responsible dissemination of information and more caution from healthcare professionals when prescribing such medications.

Image: AEMPS

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