European Medicines Agency recommends withdrawal of dextropropoxyphene-containing medicines.

Finalising a review of the safety and efficacy of dextropropoxyphene-containing medicines, the European Medicines Agencys (EMEA) Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) concluded that their risks, particularly the risk of potentially fatal overdose, are greater than their benefits. The Committee therefore recommended that the marketing authorisations for these medicines be withdrawn across the European Union. The withdrawal will be gradual to allow time for the safe transfer of patients to appropriate alternative therapies, in line with national recommendations. Dextropropoxyphene is a painkiller used to treat acute and chronic pain. It has been available as a …