Panama’s Ministry of Health (MoH) has issued a public warning to physicians and the public on the use of five drugs sold in the country.

Pharmacovigilance Center of the National Directorate of Pharmacy and Drugs of theMinistry announced Monday, November 24, that the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) has warned about the contraindications of Dexketoprofano and Ketoprofano, Methotrexate, Rituximad, Valproic Acid and corticosteroid drugs or corticosteroids.
On the use of Dexketoprofano and Ketoprofano, used for inflammatory, traumatic pain conditions or degenrative joints, tendons and muscles, is said to cause photosensitivity reactions when exposed the patient to sunlight, causing intense burn like skin peeling. This is because the application of the drug makes the skin becomes more sensitive.
The MoH has asked doctors not exceed seven days of continuous treatment with topical Ketoprofano Dexketoprofano and administration; and for patients to avoid exposure to sunlight during treatment and for two weeks after to avoid the risk of photosensitivity.
As to methotrexate, a drug used by people with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and cytostatic. Mismanagement can cause pain, It was reported that the Competent Authority has indicated adverse reactions due to daily doses (oral) of this medicine to be taken weekly. Mismanagement can cause great pain.
Rituximad used by patients with arthritis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkins lymphomas, can cause adverse reactions such as allergies or hypersensitivity.
The MoH recommended that before giving this drug infusion patients must have premedication analgesics or antipyretics and an antihistamine drug; plus 100 mg of intravenous methylprednisolone 30 minutes prior to each infusion of Rituximab in the case of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The MoH noted that the Agency for Food and Drug Administration USA (FDA, for its acronym in English) has been reported to cause severe neurological problems after epidural injection of corticosteroids drug for pain relief.
Adverse reactions are: loss of vision, tingling in arms and legs, stroke, paralysis and death.
Injectable steroids include methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, betamethasone and dexamethasone.
The Valproic acid should not be given to girls or women of childbearing potential, as it can cause birth defects.
This drug is used as an anticonvulsant, as it is endowed with a broad estectro of antiepileptic activity.