Widely Prescribed Medications Face Scrutiny: List of Drugs to Avoid in 2026 Emerges
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PARIS – A growing number of commonly prescribed medications are facing increased scrutiny for limited effectiveness and perhaps serious side effects, prompting health authorities to advise against their use as early as 2026. The recommendations,compiled from recent evaluations,span multiple medical specialties and highlight the frequently enough-underestimated dangers associated with even widespread treatments,according to a report initially published in Le Figaro.
This evolving list isn’t about newly discovered risks,but a re-evaluation of the benefit-risk ratio for drugs already in circulation. Experts emphasize the importance of informed patient-physician discussions and exploring choice therapies where available. The findings underscore a critical need for ongoing drug safety assessments and a cautious approach to prescribing, even for medications considered standard care.
Diabetes & Nutrition: Questioned Efficacy of Gliptins & Pioglitazone
Drugs like gliptines (sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vildagliptin, etc.), frequently prescribed for type 2 diabetes, are now considered ineffective compared to placebo and carry disproportionate risks, including potential pancreatic and infectious complications. Pioglitazone,previously withdrawn from the French market,remains flagged for its association with increased bladder cancer risk. Weight loss aids orlistat (Xenical) and the combination of bupropione + naltrexone (Mysimba) are also not recommended due to a lack of demonstrable benefits and potential digestive or psychiatric side effects.
Gastroenterology & ENT: Risks outweigh Benefits for Common Treatments
Daily-use medications in gastroenterology – diosmectite (Smecta), domperidone (motilium), and metopimazine (Vogalene) – are on the list due to cardiac and neurological risks. Similarly, in Ear, nose, and Throat (ENT) care, many cough suppressants, including oxomémazine (toplexil) and pentoxyvérine (clarix), are deemed ineffective and potentially harmful, particularly for children. Even treatments for sore throats, such as alpha-amylase (Maxilase), are discouraged due to unproven efficacy and potential side effects.
Dermatology & Allergology: Concerns Over Skin, Sexual Health & Severe Reactions
Finastéride 1 mg (Propecia), used to treat baldness, is criticized for persistent sexual side effects. Treatments like pimecrolimus (Elidel) and dermal tacrolimus (Protopic) are also not recommended due to disproportionate cutaneous and immunological risks. Palforzia peanut seed powder, intended for allergy desensitization, is flagged for its potential to trigger severe reactions.
Psychiatry: Antidepressants with questionable Benefit
In psychiatry,several antidepressants – including duloxetine (Cymbalta),venlafaxine (Effexor),and agomelatine (Valdoxan) – are not recommended. Their effectiveness is considered to modest relative to the potential risks, particularly cardiovascular, hepatic, or neurological complications.
