Patients’ group says reactions to metamizole can cause sepsis and organ failure – and British and Irish people are at higher risk
A patients group representing several British victims has launched legal action against the Spanish government over claims it failed to safeguard people against the potentially fatal side effects of one of the country’s most popular painkillers, involved in a series of serious illnesses and deaths.
The drug metamizole, commonly sold in Spain under the brand name Nolotil, is banned in several countries, including Britain, the US, India and Australia. It can cause a condition known as agranulocytosis, which reduces white blood cells, increasing the risk of potentially fatal infection.
More Stories
23andMe’s founder wins bid to regain control of bankrupt DNA testing firm
Researchers create AI-based tool that restores age-damaged artworks in hours
Spy ships, cyber-attacks and shadow fleets: the crack security team braced for trouble at sea