Tramadol is the most prescribed opioid painkiller in France. The National Medicines Safety Agency has asked the 26 manufacturers marketing this opioid in France to offer boxes containing fewer tablets or capsules.
Boxes of thirty remain available when patients' conditions require long-term treatment. Reducing the number of tablets in the boxes aims to reduce the risk of prolonged use, and therefore of abuse and dependence, says the ANSM. The measure also limits the possibilities of family storage and therefore risks for loved ones. The ANSM recommends that manufacturers of Tramadol market this drug in boxes of ten or fifteen tablets to avoid overdoses. The drug is available in France in a range of different strengths and strengths, including tramadol, oxycodone, hydrocodone, phencyclidine, oxymorphone, fentanyl, oxytocin, oxytocin, fentanyl and hydrocortisone. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details.