The import of nasal sprays is booming – now Swissmedic is sounding the addiction alarm

The Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products, Swissmedic, warns of the risk of addiction from snuff and laxatives. An increase in imports of large quantities of decongestants and laxatives containing the active substance bisacodyl has recently been observed.

Swissmedic has regularly seized illegal imports of nasal sprays or certain laxatives in recent years. Deliveries of large quantities ordered by Swiss customers from foreign online pharmacies have recently increased, Swissmedic writes in a statement on Tuesday.

Anyone who uses decongestant nasal preparations for more than about ten days can become dependent. According to Swissmedic, prolonged use of cold sprays or drops can cause a chronic cold known as rhinitis medicamentosa.

Most laxatives are not suitable to be taken for more than one to two weeks without medical supervision. According to Swissmedic, over-the-counter laxatives containing the active ingredient bisacodyl can lead to a vicious circle: the constant intake of these tablets disrupts water and electrolyte balance, which can lead to a reduction in intestinal activity, which in turn leads to the repeated use of the same laxatives .

Because of the potential for addiction, Swiss pharmacies and drugstores would not sell some of these over-the-counter nasal sprays or large quantities of laxatives to customers. Since Swiss pharmaceutical legislation does not apply abroad, it is more difficult to implement health protection measures for imports than at home.

Swissmedic reported to the competent foreign supervisory authorities mail order pharmacies supplying Swiss customers with harmful amounts of snuff spray or certain laxatives. Nevertheless, questionable quantities of over-the-counter preparations are still available from individual foreign mail-order pharmacies without advice or quantity restrictions.

Swissmedic warns against ordering medicines from abroad. Those who use such offers risk costs and, in serious cases, criminal prosecution. Only with medicines from controlled sources can it be guaranteed that the quality is good, that medical advice is guaranteed and that health is not endangered. (sda)