We understand that headaches are annoying, and sometimes all you want is a little relief. Many of us rely on trusted over-the-counter medications to banish the pain so we can get on with our day. However, we've recently come across an urgent warning that might have you double-checking the packaging of your go-to headache remedy.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a pressing call for Australians to inspect their medicine cupboards to see if their headache medication contains a banned 'hypnotic sedative' ingredient. If you're not already checking the back of medication packets for potential risks or side effects, this might be the perfect time to start.

Eve tablets, used for headache treatment, contain Apronal, which is a hypnotic sedative. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

The dangerous ingredient in question is called apronal (allylisopropylacetylurea), which the TGA says poses a 'significant' health risk. This hypnotic sedative is banned in most countries around the world due to its harmful side effects and was withdrawn from clinical use across Australia.

In case you're wondering how something so risky could land in your medicine cabinet, apronal might be listed under other names such as ACE, apronalide or (2-Isopropyl-4-pentenoyl) urea. Even more concerning, it is classified as a schedule 10 poison, meaning it is dangerous enough to prohibit sale, supply and use.

How did this ingredient sneak into some headache medications, to begin with? According to the TGA, apronal has been found in a range of imported Eve-branded products, including ‘Eve quick for headache’.

Understanding Hypnotic Sedatives and Their Side Effects​

These types of hypnotic sedatives are meant to produce a calming effect to help individuals sleep. However, while the said effects may be desirable, the potential consequences of apronal can be life-threatening, such as convulsions, depressed breathing, and even coma.

The TGA has also warned consumers to look out for other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness or twitching, and visual disturbances. Ingestion of these sedatives can also impair thinking, critical thinking, and motor skills. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the risks entailed with taking such medications, especially when taking a different brand.

The issue at hand is a vital reminder of the need for caution when it comes to the medicines we use and for members to stay informed about the associated risks and side effects.

If you happen to have any of these products in your possession and are concerned about ingesting affected medications, the TGA strongly advises you to stop taking them immediately. As a means of proper disposal, be sure to take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy, where they can get rid of them safely.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are being urged to check their medicine cupboards for headache medication that contains a banned 'hypnotic, sedative' ingredient, apronal (allylisopropylacetylurea).
• Apronal poses a 'significant' health risk and is banned from most countries in the world.
• The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a warning for consumers who may have purchased any Eve-branded products containing apronal.
• For consumers who may be concerned they have ingested affected medications, the TGA advises stopping taking them immediately and taking any leftover tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

This serves as an important reminder to prioritise our health and exercise caution when it comes to the medications we rely on. It's crucial to remain vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if we have any concerns.

In light of this, we would like to ask our members: How do you ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medications you use? Do you have any strategies or practices to stay informed and avoid unwanted side effects? Share your thoughts and experiences, as your insights can help others make informed decisions about their healthcare.

 

[Gezzabel]

I nearly died after taking Nexium. Popular over the counter medication. My sodium level was almost lethal, and I had full on convulsions. If my husband had not witnessed the seizure, I could have had my granddaughters in car, and killed myself and them too. It’s for reflux, so please be careful! Gezabel.

 

[DLHM]

Just because a medication is “over the counter” (OTC), doesn’t mean it is safe for everyone.

 

[Gsr]

Hopefully there won’t be too much publicity about this or the people who like to buy anything that helps them get “high” will be rushing to the shops to see if they can find any medications with this ingredient and stocking up.

 

[NLP]

Reading this article on the dangers of certain medications you can’t help but think if the word Pharmaceutical has a not so hidden word in it (harm) is it any wonder.

 

[Lizzylou]

Just checked out two over the counter medications and neither packet has anything on it that tells you what the medication is made up of. I would hazard a guess most don't have a description of the ingredients but certainly have other warnings that may be harmful.

 

[Gertrude Davis]

We understand that headaches are annoying, and sometimes all you want is a little relief. Many of us rely on trusted over-the-counter medications to banish the pain so we can get on with our day. However, we've recently come across an urgent warning that might have you double-checking the packaging of your go-to headache remedy.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a pressing call for Australians to inspect their medicine cupboards to see if their headache medication contains a banned 'hypnotic sedative' ingredient. If you're not already checking the back of medication packets for potential risks or side effects, this might be the perfect time to start.

View attachment 21349

Eve tablets, used for headache treatment, contain Apronal, which is a hypnotic sedative. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

The dangerous ingredient in question is called apronal (allylisopropylacetylurea), which the TGA says poses a 'significant' health risk. This hypnotic sedative is banned in most countries around the world due to its harmful side effects and was withdrawn from clinical use across Australia.

In case you're wondering how something so risky could land in your medicine cabinet, apronal might be listed under other names such as ACE, apronalide or (2-Isopropyl-4-pentenoyl) urea. Even more concerning, it is classified as a schedule 10 poison, meaning it is dangerous enough to prohibit sale, supply and use.

How did this ingredient sneak into some headache medications, to begin with? According to the TGA, apronal has been found in a range of imported Eve-branded products, including ‘Eve quick for headache’.

Understanding Hypnotic Sedatives and Their Side Effects​

These types of hypnotic sedatives are meant to produce a calming effect to help individuals sleep. However, while the said effects may be desirable, the potential consequences of apronal can be life-threatening, such as convulsions, depressed breathing, and even coma.

The TGA has also warned consumers to look out for other side effects such as nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness or twitching, and visual disturbances. Ingestion of these sedatives can also impair thinking, critical thinking, and motor skills. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the risks entailed with taking such medications, especially when taking a different brand.

The issue at hand is a vital reminder of the need for caution when it comes to the medicines we use and for members to stay informed about the associated risks and side effects.

If you happen to have any of these products in your possession and are concerned about ingesting affected medications, the TGA strongly advises you to stop taking them immediately. As a means of proper disposal, be sure to take any remaining tablets to your local pharmacy, where they can get rid of them safely.

Key Takeaways

• Australians are being urged to check their medicine cupboards for headache medication that contains a banned 'hypnotic, sedative' ingredient, apronal (allylisopropylacetylurea).
• Apronal poses a 'significant' health risk and is banned from most countries in the world.
• The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has issued a warning for consumers who may have purchased any Eve-branded products containing apronal.
• For consumers who may be concerned they have ingested affected medications, the TGA advises stopping taking them immediately and taking any leftover tablets to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

This serves as an important reminder to prioritise our health and exercise caution when it comes to the medications we rely on. It's crucial to remain vigilant and consult healthcare professionals if we have any concerns.

In light of this, we would like to ask our members: How do you ensure the safety and effectiveness of the medications you use? Do you have any strategies or practices to stay informed and avoid unwanted side effects? Share your thoughts and experiences, as your insights can help others make informed decisions about their healthcare.

 

[Gertrude Davis]

Why haven't health authorities, state and federal, been more insistent and banned medication with this ingredient? It sounds truly lethal!!