Department of Health advises the population on the use of contraindicated medications in cases of suspected dengue fever

With the increase in reported cases of dengue fever and other arboviruses throughout Brazil, some people with possible symptoms of these diseases take medications on their own, without undergoing a medical consultation. That is why the Municipal Health Department (SMS) warns that self-medication can expose the patient to a risky situation, taking into account that they may be taking contraindicated medications and that can cause harm to their health.

According to doctor Felipe Montenegro, technical director of the Cruz das Armas Emergency Care Unit (UPA), the contraindicated medications in cases of suspected dengue are aspirin and ASA (acetylsalicylic acid), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, nimesulide and naproxen) and corticosteroids (prednisone and hydrocortisone). “They are completely contraindicated in cases of dengue fever and can increase the risk of bleeding”, he warned.

Also according to the doctor, there are no specific medications for patients with dengue fever or other arboviruses. “The most common questions people have are what to take or not to take and when to take it. But it is important to explain that, dengue as a virus, there is no specific medication to resolve this condition. What we have today are medications that aim to improve the clinical picture,” he explained.

“It is worth highlighting that these medications must be prescribed by a medical professional, due to their contraindications, based on the clinical condition of each patient, according to what this patient reports within the doctor’s office”, highlighted Felipe Montenegro.

The doctor pointed out that patients with the same diagnosis may have different symptoms and, therefore, the importance of medical evaluation to prescribe the most appropriate medications. He also drew the attention of patients who may have already used medication without prior medical advice. “For this user, it is very important to suspend the medication, stay hydrated and observe whether there will be any further symptoms such as the presence of bleeding”, he advised.

“But I confirm the need to seek medical advice for these cases of dengue so that they are not exposed to a worsening of their clinical condition or a bleeding complication due to a lack of prior guidance”, he concluded.

Dengue – It is an infectious disease, caused by a virus, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The disease has no specific treatment and its main symptoms are high fever and body aches and, in the most serious cases, dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can lead to death.

In João Pessoa, this year, 3,446 cases of arboviruses (dengue, zika and chikungunya) have already been reported. Taking only dengue cases into account, 3,209 notifications have been recorded to date.

Service – In cases of arbovirus symptoms, patients should go to their reference Family Health Unit (USF). If the symptoms are more acute, they can seek out an Emergency Care Unit (UPA) or the Valentina Municipal Hospital (HMV), in the case of children.