To Pop This Pill or Not?


Headaches are THE WORST! Whenever I feel something bad, I always have this need to take a pill just to stop it and go on with my life. One of my officemates would even take a leave when her migraine occurs. So as I "googled" the best pill to take, I happened to see the Saridon commercial above. I thought it was real funny, yet very violent, especially for children. But if that ad could amuse, and invite me to try their product, then I could be one of its "markets". 

Apparently, Ms. Janette Toral's article on Drug Safety had me on a complete halt from popping this pill. Based from http://saridon.thefilipinodoctor.com/faq.php, the ingredients of Saridon consists of 250mg Paracetamol, 150mg Propyphenazone and 50mg  Caffeine. And while I adore caffeine and its products such as coffee, I can't help but get worried about the Propyphenazone content in the drug. 

Even in its Wiki definition, Propyphenazone and even Saridon is already banned in other countries. What I could not understand is how they can get away with selling the product, without prescription necessary, amidst the fact that its causing health related problems already.

My Mom, who is a nurse, refers to MIMS if she needs a certain drug. According to its page, Propyphenazone's drug reaction includes hypersensitivity reactions; nephrotoxicity, nausea, drowsiness, coma and convulsions on large doses. Would you want to have your headache gone, only to be replaced with these side effects? I know I don't!

I hope the the Department of Health and its manufacturer, Bayer would regulate drugs like Saridon. Or even answer as to why its cheaper and easily bought in spite of its side effects. After all, we would want to lessen the pain, instead of triggering another one that would blow up to our face so easily. 

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8 Comments

  1. It's always tricky when we see certain drugs banned in other countries and yet still legal locally. But in cases like this drug, the challenge is when they are offered over the counter and thus are prone to abuse. Most folks never bother to know what the maximum dosage in a day for a drug is and thus become more prone to the side-effects of the drug.

    Ultimately your best bet is to see professional medical advise first before self-medicating.

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    1. You're right. But what if its a simple headache lang? Minsan people tend to be more practical and rely on ads lang than going to a real doctor :(

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  2. I think DOH should issue a statement on this immediately as to why it is available in the market or on the rationale why they don't consider banning it.

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    1. Oo nga eh. The government should act on this soon.

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  3. Saridon is really scary! I've read and heard a lot of news about it, and someone should really act on banning it in our country! BIOGESIC na lang for headaches! Hahahaha!

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  4. Knowing our gov't', malamang gagalaw lang sila kapag marami na nagreklamo abt the side affects.. alam mo naman dito sa atin..

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  5. Knowing our gov't', malamang gagalaw lang sila kapag marami na nagreklamo abt the side affects.. alam mo naman dito sa atin..

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  6. Wow thanks for telling me about Saridon. Though I have not encountered this brand before at least now I know what to watch out for. I also just became aware that caffeine can be added to a pain medicine. Isn't that scary for those who are at-risk for heart problems as it may cause them heart palpitations. I remember I experienced heart palpitations after drinking C2. Never thought it could happen to me (and I dont even have a heart condition) but it did and I later found out that I am not alone from another friend.

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