Is Saridon Safe for Intake?

Last night as I was scanning my FB wall with my me time and an article about a drug for headache caught my attention. I was curious because the brand name is now commercially available in the market and has a catchy commercial on national TV. The article came from Sunstar.com.ph of  Ms. Janette Toral questioning if Saridon is safe for intake. Saridon has a 150 mg of Propyphenazone ingredient in it and claims that it will take away headache in just 15 minutes.

Ms. Toral is worried about this ingredient because it was already banned outside of the country and why it passed the BFAD and DOH approval. When we know it was banned for sure that it was lethal and it’s not good for our health, so how come this drug is available in our country (Philippines) and as affordable as the generic one? Can we take a risk to know that our fellows, our families and our friends might purchase the said drug and risk their health?

I know I’m not an expert about this matter but what’s important to me is the safety and health of my family. But Saridon’s formula contained phenacetin known to be carcinogenic or can cause cancer with prolong used. And Propyphenazone has a component of this, an NSAID or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin that if taken excessively can cause bleeding. And if you watch CSI series in Las Vegas you can encountered there that a suspect use this drug to slowly killed her husband, so I say that Saridon is really fatal.

Saridon's catchy commercial on National TV

And if I were you I’ll stay away with this drug and stick to what we already use like paracetamol, ibuprofen or mefenamic acid though any drug has a side effect at least these drug has a lesser negative review unlike Saridon that’s becoming to be a legal killer sitting on the shelves of pharmacy stores.

I hoped that BFAD and DOH will issue a statement regarding the safety of Saridon as a painkiller or (I say life killer), and also to Bayer who manufactured such drugs that risks health over their damn business.

Check out the link below for more info about Saridon :

1. http://www.patientsville.com/medication/saridon_side_effects.htm

2. http://healthmad.com/medicine/saridon-side-effects/

3. http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_side_effects_of_saridon

4. http://www.eccentricyethappy.info/2012/11/is-saridon-safe.html
5. http://www.awahmslife.net/2012/11/is-saridon-safe-or-not.html

Source: Is Saridon Safe for Intake?

Saridon, Propyphenazone: Painkiller or Blood Killer?

Sometimes, what causes headaches are medicines for headaches themselves. Say for instance Saridon, an international brand from Bayer Healthcare which until now is being subjected to safety debates around the world (Saridon is even more popular than Barbra Streisand nowadays).

Is Saridon safe or not? Is its Propyphenazone component out of harm's way or not?

(Just a note to our readers: we are not dealing with the drug’s effectiveness since we all know that studies unanimously back the drug’s usefulness).

Saridon, which is available in over 80 countries including the Philippines, contains 250 mg of Paracetamol, 150 mg of Propyphenazone, and 50 mg of Caffeine. The three ingredients complement each other in easing the pain in the head. But I tell you, the three won’t work if it is your unsuccessful marriage that is causing you headache.

Notably, Saridon contains Propyphenazone (also known as Propyphenazonum (Latin), Propyphenazon (German), Propyphénazone (French), and Propifenazona (Spanish). Propyphenazone has been associated with severe blood dyscrasias (symptoms include bleeding problems, weakness and pale skin). Mama mia! Apay ngay nga ada kasta gayam? (Why is there something like that?)

Digital Filipino’s Janete Toral revealed this disturbing issue in SunStar, after she received messages questioning the drug’s safety. Take note that in the Philippines, the drug is still available at about P5 per tablet.

In South Korea, its Food and Drug Administration banned Bayer Korea’s painkiller Saridon-A from being prescribed or sold over the counter to 15 and below. Moreover, products containing Prophyphenazone have been banned in countries like Turkey.

In an article from The Filipino Doctor, it was nailed that Saridon should not be given to infants or children under 12. It was also recommended that the drug should not be taken by pregnant women (women, men and others, take note of that).

It may be true that Saridon is FDA-approved. But we still need clarification from Bayer. We need a statement from our Department of Health (DOH) to assure us that what we are using is safe.

I know that there is no drug that is 100% safe, but we should know what we needed to know. There is nothing wrong to sit down one time with the authority and discuss about the terrible side effects of the drug. (Learn more thoughts about this)

Is there any medical practitioner out there who can give us some clarifications regarding this matter? Before we believe in advertisements, let us listen to the real authority first. 

 

Source:  Saridon, Propyphenazone: Painkiller or Blood Killer?

Saridon and It’s Safety Issue

I have been reading up a couple of online posts about this drug Saridon which is said to provide fast acting relief from headaches.  Based from the website The Filipino Doctor, it provides instant relief from headache in as fast as 15 minutes and is trusted worldwide in over 80 countries.  It seems that it is also the most popular  choice of medicine for headache in the Visayas and Mindanao regions  as it is relatively cheap compared to other analgesic medicines. Saridon contains three active ingredients: Paracetamol (250 mg.), Propyphenazone (150 mg), and Caffeine  (50 mg.). This triple action formula makes it better than individual doses of paracetamol and Ibuprofen for some.

photo source: googleimages.com

But then there have been quite a number of posts  now questioning the safe use this drug due to one of  its active ingredient, Propyphenazone (Propyphenazone is structurally related to aminophenazone, a drug highly associated with severe blood dyscrasias).  According to Mr. Ducky Paredes in his recent blogpost on Saridon, Lareb, a Dutch Pharmacovigilance Center, cited 20 harmful effects of Saridon  ten of which are being said to cause nausea, fainting, low blood pressure, weakening of the heart, and worst even death. Ms. Janette Toral in her column dated Oct. 30 at sunstar.com.ph also mentioned that countries such as  Sri Lanka, Korea, Malaysia and Turkey have banned and restricted the use of Saridon. This makes me wonder then if extensive studies here in the Philippines have been done prior to its approval.
 
I was trying to search online for statements from DOH and Bayer clarifying the issue but did not find any. The one link I found which would direct me to the official statement and explanation of a Dr. Abola of Bayer, appeared to have been taken down from the net.  Unless there is a clear reference whether online or in print, where people can elevate their concerns or where Bayer and DOH can issue official statements to alleviate  people’s fears and doubts, the big shadow of doubt about its safe use will continue to persist.

After doing my own online research, I completely understand the hype about Saridon. I have close family and friends who suffer from migraines, I shudder at the thought that they might be taking this drug whose safety is in big question. According to Wikipedia, Saridon is the only pain medication in the country that has three active ingredients, and the only one listing caffeine as one of its ingredients. All the more that people should be careful in taking this without official clarification from DOH or Bayer. There’s much to be said about combination drugs.

Keeping this note open for official  response from the DOH and Bayer. As of the moment, they are still mum on the issue. Will update this as soon as I get hold of their official statements.

Source:  Saridon and It’s Safety Issue

Think First before Taking Saridon

The Wikipedia says “Saridon is an analgesic combination indicated for the management of headache. The currently global base formulation contains 135mg of propyphenazone, 260 mg of paracetamol and 55 mg of caffeine.

The combination is designed and said to produce effective analgesia with fast onset of action in 15 minutes, as compared to paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone”

As far as I remember the TV and online ad of Saridon has adult scenes. However, I read an article online that Saridon is safe to take. I wonder what Department of Health would explain about Saridon.

The last time I ran a 42KM run I felt pain so I took a pain reliever but I didn’t try to take Saridon as a remedy. I had Alaxan instead.

Why? I am so scared of the possible side effects it might cause.

Saridon is prescribed to relieve diferent pains: migraine pain, persistent headache, muscle ache, arthritis pain, backache, dental troubles, common cold and fever.

It also relieves minor arthritis without decreasing the inflammation or swelling of the joints.

Saridon is banned in Sri Lanka, Korea, Malaysia and Turkey. because it has Propyphenazone content.
But it is available in drugstores here in the Philippines.

How hazardous is Propyphenazone? Propyphenazone is derived from pyrazolone and is related to phenazone. It has antipyretic and analgesic properties.

According to some of my friends who is into pharmaceutical field Saridon is accessible to drug stores nationwide.

There are side effects people should know before buting Saridon it includes;
nausea, low fever, vomiting, stomach ache, loss of appetite, dark urine, tarry stool, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

Plus there are allergic reactions, chest pain, difficulty in breathing, swelling of the throat, lips, tongue and face.

As a matter of fact I’ve seen some blogs which has ads of Saridon. It means it is very well promoted here in the Philippines

Saridon is sold at very affordable price here. DOH and Bayer should do something about this.
Saridon, Is it Safe?


Source: Think First before Taking Saridon

Is Saridon safe?

Few months ago, I posted a blog post about the TV ad of Saridon which has inappropriate scenes. But I read an article recently online about how safe to take Saridon.
I'm still confused on what Bayer and Department of Health on their explanation about Saridon.

I always experienced migraine every now and then, and I didn't try to take Saridon as a remedy. I'm scared of the side effects that I read articles online.


What is Saridon?  

According to Wikipedia, "Saridon is an analgesic combination indicated for the management of headache. The currently global base formulation contains 135mg of propyphenazone, 260 mg of paracetamol and 55 mg of caffeine.The combination is designed and said to produce effective analgesia with fast onset of action in 15 minutes, as compared to paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone"

It is used to relief migraine pain, headache, muscle ache, arthritis pain, backache, dental troubles, common cold and fever. Also relieves from minor arthritis pain but doesn’t decrease inflammation or swelling of the joints.

There's a lot of countries banned the said medicine, which has Propyphenazone content. But here in the Philippines, it's still available in pharmaceutical stores.

How hazardous it is?  

According to MIMS, Propyphenazone is derived from pyrazolone and is related to phenazone. It has antipyretic and analgesic properties.

I asked my sister, who is a licensed pharmacist if Saridon still available in the market. She told me that it is accessible to drug stores nationwide.

There are side effects taking Saridon includes nausea, low fever, vomiting, stomach ache, loss of appetite, dark urine, tarry stool, yellowing of the skin or eyes. And also there are allergic reactions, chest pain, and difficulty in breathing, swelling of the throat, lips, tongue and face.

Why Department of Health and Bayer not restricted using Saridon in the country?
In Sri Lanka, Korea, Malaysia and Turkey, medicine intake of Saridon is banned in these countries. Yet why is it our country didn't ban it.

I think, DOH and its manufacturer must take action on this. Though Saridon sold at a very affordable price yet they must review Propyphenazone as an ingredient for this analgesic tablet.

Source:  Is Saridon safe? 

Why Choose Saridon? Is it Safe or Should We Be Worried?

Earlier I read about this so called new drug now available in the Philippine market (well at least its popular in Visayas and Mindanao) and they're calling it "Saridon". They say it's actually priced very competitively compared to the leading brands, and quite almost near the generics price. But how come the medicine started out in the provinces and not in Metro Manila or even Luzon?

Another strange thing is there's not enough info to give you an informative knowledge of the said medicine and lastly, I've also been reading bad feedback or articles from certain columnists especially in the said Visayas and Mindanao areas - that is - if you try Googling about this particular brand.

This probably led to the creation of this article in SunStar which worries about the negative write-ups about the drug....and wonders why Bayer and The Department of Health (DOH) is not really that eager to educate the people about the drug....or am I just really out of the loop.



But what really caught my attention was the ads:

However, the pictures are like saying you are giving yourself a headache.....hehehe


If you Google about the brand, Wikipedia tops the list:

"Saridon is an analgesic combination indicated for the management of headache. The currently global base formulation contains 135 mg of propyphenazone, 260 mg of paracetamol and 55 mg of caffeine. The combination is designed and said to produce effective analgesia with fast onset of action in 15 minutes, as compared to paracetamol, ibuprofen, or aspirin alone."


With emphasis on propyphenazone because , apparently, this particular ingredient is banned in other countries:


Propyphenazone, a pyrazolone derivative with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity, was introduced in 1951 for the treatment of rheumatic disorders. As it is structurally related to aminophenazone it has been associated with severe blood dyscrasias. However, it cannot be transformed into potentially carcinogenic nitrosamines and has therefore been widely used as a replacement drug for aminophenazone. In certain countries, products containing propyphenazone have now been restricted in their indications, whereas in others they are still available, sometimes as over-the-counter preparations.”


Countries that have banned Propyphenazone:

Sri Lanka, Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Turkey


But I've seen a link to a YouTube video of one of its commercials:

I saw information about Saridon at thefilipinodoctor.com website:Notice that the top banner advertises about Saridon. If you go further in by clicking on the banner, its gives you details about the drug and a video link as well.

"Saridon is an analgesic specially formulated to treat severe headache in as fast as 15 minutes.Each Saridon tablet contains Paracetamol, Propyphenazone and Caffeine, a unique combination that provides effective and long lasting pain relief."


The video description is:

"Saridon launches nationwide with a new hard-hitting TV commercial depicting what it feels like to work while nursing a persistent headache - a situation which many people can identify with."

I don't really find the video funny but knowing Filipinos and our thinking, we may actually try it out.


The site also has this" Why Choose Saridon?" portion:

But I don't really just really on obvious biased advertising so I look for other articles and preferred columns or blogs like this one from searchinfluencer.com .




Another blog called the drug as "poison"




"The original formula for Saridon contained a phenacetin, a carcinogenic or cancer causing substance. A component of this was Propyphenazone. It is an NSAID or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory  drug like aspirin. So if taken excessively can cause bleeding. Since this is an over the counter drug, only a few people know about this fact. This is also contraindicated for ages 12 years old and below."

It got me thinking otherwise of the probable ill- effects of the new drug and its "special" ingredients which side-effects are kept hidden from us. Got me thinking why the drug is being banned in other countries.



Is it just paranoia to worry?

Now unless the government, specifically the DOH and the Bureau of Food and Drug (BFAD), whoever is directly responsible, gives us a more reliable source of verifiable information or study about the drug, then its like trusting a brand that could give us more adverse effects rather than cure.


Would I allow myself to be treated by  a drug that doesn't even have any specific website available for prospective consumers to research info about it?



Positive feedback from other bloggers

Also read a blog post dated February 2012 with positive feedback about Saridon, but still how come there's still no website from the makers themselves. Should I rely on a few blogs for my medicinal requirements?

Another blogger recommends, and noting the inclusion of caffeine as another ingredient, saying on his blog:

"I’m convinced to the formulation of Saridon and thanks to Bayer for introducing this new drug to us pinoys. I don’t take any tablets for headaches in my life ( I know the other brand, but I take them if ever I’m sick), but Saridon is purely for headaches only and I’m glad that I got introduced to Bayer’s new drug."


"I did a research and learned that Caffeine is proven a neuro-stimulant and also as a metabollic stimulant. Caffeine is very addictive,especially to people who started drinking coffee every morning and afternoon. I also drink coffee every morning and this keeps me awake and oriented for the day that I woke up, I drink coffee to relax myself while working. I read online that caffeine is also a mild natural analgesic, meaning that the elders we were told about to drink coffee if we have headaches is really true.

So when caffeine - the mild natural analgesic combines with Paracetamol and Propyphenazone, it will have Saridon tablet as the fast acting headache and pain reliever."

There's another blogger who has something to say about the product. Read all about it on his blog.


So I guess some are very much impressed with the product and some are wary of the side-effects and the health dangers it may produce.



But it still does not answer my question if Propyphenazone is safe or not...and should we be worried?

Well, I do hope the DOH or BFAD releases an announcement soon otherwise there would still be people like me doubtful of the product. bayer should include information about the product on their website, and exert effort to make the information "searchable" online for us consumers.

 

Source:  Why Choose Saridon? Is it Safe or Should We Be Worried?

Saridon is Poison

Just recently I was browsing through the racks at a pharmacy and I was wondering why there was a proliferation of drugs with a generic name that includes caffeine. The last time that I took up pharmacology and had my tour of duty, this was not part of the things I needed to memorize for my revalida.

Here in the Philippines, paracetamol, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid and aspirin are the most common antidote for headaches and pains. Then you pair this with betet, Vick's or White Flower. Whichever floats your boat.

When I saw an article about Saridon written by Janette Toral, I got curious. Turns out Saridon contains 250 mg Paracetamol, 150 mg Propyphenazone and 50 mg Caffeine more specifically Saridon is the most potent headache or migraine reliever around. It claims to rid you of your pain in just 15 minutes!

Propyphenazone is the first substance to be activated. This gives an immediate analgesic effect. The paracetamol prolongs its efficacy while caffeine increases its potency since it is a natural analgesic. Not only is it used as an analgesic, it is also a muscle relaxant and antipyretic.

The original formula for Saridon contained a phenacetin, a carcinogenic or cancer causing substance. A component of this was Propyphenazone. It is an NSAID or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory  drug like aspirin. So if taken excessively can cause bleeding. Since this is an over the counter drug, only a few people know about this fact. This is also contraindicated for ages 12 years old and below. Paracetamol is also hepatotoxic. This can cause liver damage when used in excess or when paired with alchohol.

There have been documented reports by medical watchdogs of how toxic this drug can be but if you do an online search you will only find diziness, shortness of breath and fainting as one of its side effects. Is there more that we don't know of?

Another controversy that surrounds this drug is its prevalent use in our country despite other nations banning it. If other countries are banning the use of this drug why is the Philippines actively promoting it? It is also interesting to note that this product was initially actively promoted, distributed and sold in Visayas and Mindanao. Why is it not being sold in Luzon? Are we here in the Visayas and Mindanao their guinea pigs? Are they testing us without our knowledge? Where is the morality in all these?

Another issue with this drug is Bayers lack of information and internet presence of this drug, except of course  the negative ones. DOH,BFAD and Bayer has the social responsibility of informing us, the consuming public of the results of clinical trials done on this drug.

What is the government doing about Saridon?

Just imagine all the trouble it will cause if you buy this drug without knowing these facts.  It is just right that this  product from Bayer be banned from the market.

Source: Saridon is Poison