9 Sep, 2024 @ 12:36
2 mins read
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Anti-Nolotil campaigner blasts EU health chiefs after they ruled in favour of the controversial painkiller – despite its links to British deaths 

THE EMA’s decision to rule out banning Nolotil has been blasted by patient advocate and campaigner Cristina del Campo. 

She has called the decision ‘unbelievable’ and implied that the ruling has ‘financial motives’. 

Cristina told the Olive Press: “As far as I’m concerned, what they’re saying is that the benefits to the pharmaceutical company outweigh the risks to patients.

READ MORE: Nolotil latest: ‘Benefits’ of painkiller ‘outweigh the risks’, say European health chiefs – despite scores of British deaths linked to the drug

“They have admitted that it is an unpredictable drug which can cause death at any point of treatment, regardless of the dose and even if you have taken it before without issue. Yet still, they say the benefits outweigh the risks.”

For many years, Cristina has compiled hundreds of deaths of British expats and tourists – and other northern Europeans – linked to the drug. 

Now, she is seeking tougher controls and compensation for family members of those who died after taking it. 

The Olive Press has also launched many campaigns and frequently reported on the issue to raise awareness of Nolotil. 

READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: ‘If he hadn’t gone to Spain he would still be alive’: British family of ‘first known Nolotil victim’ speak out 

“The victims are outraged. As their advocate, I do not accept this decision and will continue to fight,” she said. 

Her supporters also expressed their shock at the decision. 

“The power of big pharma! It smacks of the oxycontin scandal in the States,” one said. 

While another commented: “It’s an absolutely atrocious outcome. Makes me wonder about visiting Spain in future.”

Others called for the drug to be banned altogether: “Total disgrace! You are fighting a just cause and it should be banned asap!”

Nolotil, and other products containing metamizole, are thought to cause adverse effects for patients of northern european descent, including British people. 

However, current research has not allowed health authorities to rule out or confirm the possibility of higher risk populations. 

It comes after the European Medicines Agency (EMA) revealed on Friday it would not be banning or putting restrictions on the drug. 

Instead, they will update product information to highlight the risk of agranulocytosis, a known side effect of Nolotil. 

“Agranulocytosis involves a sudden and sharp decrease in granulocytes, a type of white blood cell, that can lead to serious or even fatal infections,” they said. 

“The committee recommended that healthcare professionals must inform patients to stop taking these medicines and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms of agranulocytosis.”

The recommendation comes after a review by the EMA and PRAC, prompted by concerns from Finnish authorities. 

Now, the PRAC’s evaluation must be ratified by the Coordination Group (CMDh) of the EMA, which includes all the European medicines agencies.

READ MORE: ‘Our Nolotil hell’: British expats recall their terrifying ordeals after taking the ‘lethal’ painkiller in Spain – including one who ‘momentarily died’ before having to learn to walk again

Yzabelle Bostyn

Yzabelle Bostyn is an NCTJ trained journalist who started her journalistic career at the Olive Press in 2023.
Before moving to Spain, she studied for a BA in English Literature and Hispanic Studies at the University of Sheffield.
After graduating she moved to the university’s journalism department, one of the best in the UK.
Throughout the past few years, she has taken on many roles including social media marketing, copywriting and radio presenting.
She then took a year out to travel Latin America, scaling volcanoes in Guatemala and swimming with sharks in Belize.
Then, she came to the Olive Press last year where she has honed her travel writing skills and reported on many fantastic experiences such as the Al Andalus luxury train.
She has also undertaken many investigations, looking into complex issues like Spain’s rental crisis and rising cancer rates.
Always willing to help, she has exposed many frauds and scams, working alongside victims to achieve justice.
She is most proud of her work on Nolotil, a drug linked to the deaths of many Brits in Spain.
A campaign launched by Yzabelle has received considerable support and her coverage has been by the UK and Spanish media alike.
Her writing has featured on many UK news outlets from the Sun to the Mail Online, who contracted her to report for them in Tenerife on growing tourism issues.
Recently, she has appeared on Times Radio covering deadly flooding in Valencia.

1 Comment

  1. I have taken nolotil for years.No problems. Typical stupid ex pat making trouble. Spain is ful of fat unhealthy expat Brits. I wish they would all go back to the nanny homeland.

    Location : La linea

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