The government emphasized that strict action would be taken against those found violating these guidelines.
The advisory reportedly highlights the growing incidence of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and chikungunya during the rainy season, with the possibility of further increases in the pre- and post-monsoon period.
The drugs in question—aspirin, ibuprofen, and diclofenac—are commonly used to alleviate various types of pain and inflammation. However, they can also interfere with platelet function in the blood, which poses a risk for dengue patients as the disease affects platelets and can lead to bleeding complications.
Dr. Ankita Baidya, an infectious disease consultant at HCMCT Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, told ToI about the risks associated with these drugs for dengue patients. Given their anti-platelet activity, they could potentially exacerbate bleeding complications, making it crucial to avoid their use without a doctor’s supervision.
As an alternative, Dr. Baidya suggested using paracetamol according to the individual’s body weight (10 mg per kg) to manage fever, headaches, or body aches. Tepid sponging could also be helpful in reducing fever, but the use of the aforementioned drugs should be strictly avoided.To protect public health, the advisory urged retail chemists to refrain from over-the-counter sales of these non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Additionally, chemists were advised to maintain records of their painkiller drug stocks falling under this category.
