A recent review is prompting increased scrutiny of several medications as health authorities worldwide reassess their risk-benefit profiles. Four drugs – andexanet alfa, chondroitine, fézolinétant, and géfpixant – have been added to a growing list of those with possibly unacceptable harm relative to their limited or absent effectiveness. This assessment underscores the critical need for ongoing medication safety evaluations and informed discussions between patients and healthcare providers [[1]], [[3]].
A growing list of medications are being flagged for potential harm, prompting a renewed focus on ensuring patients receive the most effective and safest care. A recent review has identified several drugs where the risks outweigh the benefits, highlighting the importance of carefully considering treatment options and, in some cases, avoiding medication altogether.
Four drugs have been added to the updated list of medications to avoid: andexanet alfa, chondroitine, fézolinétant, and géfpixant. All four have been linked to side effects deemed disproportionate to their effectiveness, which ranges from absent to limited.
Evaluating Medication Risks
The review emphasizes that a drug’s availability doesn’t automatically guarantee its therapeutic value. The findings underscore the need for independent evaluation of risks to guide safer and more informed healthcare decisions.
Andexanet alfa, an antidote for anticoagulants, but not currently available in France, has been shown to increase the risk of thromboembolic events compared to standard care. Chondroitine, often prescribed for osteoarthritis, can cause hypersensitivity reactions in some patients. Fézolinétant, used to treat hot flashes associated with menopause, carries risks of liver toxicity, as well as digestive and neurological issues. Finally, géfpixant, a treatment for chronic, refractory cough in the European Union, is frequently associated with taste disturbances, pneumonia, and urinary problems.
The updated assessment reflects the importance of continually re-evaluating available evidence and removing treatments from practice when their clinical benefit is not established. This ongoing process aims to provide patients with the information they need to “choose quality care and avoid disproportionate harm,” according to the review. The list is updated annually to reflect the latest research and ensure patients and healthcare providers have access to the most current information.
