Ten or fifteen tablets in boxes of Tramadol rather than thirty. The National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM) has asked the 26 manufacturers marketing this opioid in France to offer boxes containing fewer tablets or capsules, for short-term treatments. Boxes of thirty remain available when patients' conditions require long-term treatment.
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Reducing the number of tablets in the boxes aims to reduce the risk of prolonged use, and therefore of abuse and dependence
,” explains the ANSM.
This measure also limits the possibilities of family storage and therefore risks for loved ones.
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Tramadol, the most common opioid
Tramadol is the most prescribed opioid painkiller in France. Like all other opioids, it is likely to cause dependence in treated patients, even when treatment is taken in accordance with the recommended dose and for a short duration.
If treatment is abruptly stopped, patients may then feel…