The Health Promotion Bureau (HPB) has advised the public against consuming Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the event of continuing fever or prior to checking the cause of the illness.
Addressing the media today, a representative of the HPB warned that there was a significant increase in dengue cases and dengue-related deaths in Sri Lanka at present.
The HPB official revealed that several dengue-related deaths had been caused due to the consumption of NSAID-type medicine, especially painkillers.
The official requested the public to refrain from using NSAID-type medicine instead of paracetamol and to question their doctors when prescribed painkillers for fever.
“The use of NSAID-type medicines can pose a threat to the life of a patient if they are diagnosed with dengue,” he warned.
The HPB official highlighted that NSAID-type medicines manufactured under several brand names such as Ibuprofen, Mefenamic acid, Indomethacin, Naproxen, Celecoxib and Aspirin, are widely used in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)
