Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com/news/T...--measles--patients-in-Valsad-villages/604958
Taboo medicine now treating ?measles? patients in Valsad villages
Posted: Monday , Apr 12, 2010 at 0122 hrs
Tokerpada (Valsad):
Suresh Sonkya Bhaanwar has been administering Co-trimoxazole Oral Suspension and Unilide (Nimesulide) tablets to his nephew Jayanti (5) to cure the blisters on his jaw, supposedly measles.
But the medicine, prescribed by the government doctors, is strictly avoided by paediatricians the world over for being a first line drug-Nimesulide.
A senior paediatrician said on condition of anonymity: ?Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is used for the treatment of acute pain in adolescents and adults above 12 years. But we never prescribe it to anybody due to its reactions. In fact, it has been banned in several countries due to concerns about the risk of hepatotoxicity. But at the same time, I am not surprised to hear that it is being given to children in the tribal belt. Drug companies are often able to push these products with the help of government staff.? Jayanti has already consumed nine of the 10 tablets in the strip. Suresh said: ?He is regularly taking the tablets and now only one tablet is left. We will ask the doctor if he still feels pain.?
Taboo medicine now treating ?measles? patients in Valsad villages
Posted: Monday , Apr 12, 2010 at 0122 hrs
Tokerpada (Valsad):
Suresh Sonkya Bhaanwar has been administering Co-trimoxazole Oral Suspension and Unilide (Nimesulide) tablets to his nephew Jayanti (5) to cure the blisters on his jaw, supposedly measles.
But the medicine, prescribed by the government doctors, is strictly avoided by paediatricians the world over for being a first line drug-Nimesulide.
A senior paediatrician said on condition of anonymity: ?Nimesulide is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties. It is used for the treatment of acute pain in adolescents and adults above 12 years. But we never prescribe it to anybody due to its reactions. In fact, it has been banned in several countries due to concerns about the risk of hepatotoxicity. But at the same time, I am not surprised to hear that it is being given to children in the tribal belt. Drug companies are often able to push these products with the help of government staff.? Jayanti has already consumed nine of the 10 tablets in the strip. Suresh said: ?He is regularly taking the tablets and now only one tablet is left. We will ask the doctor if he still feels pain.?