"French Medicines Agency Issues Stroke Risk Warning for Cold Medicines"
France's medicines agency has issued a warning against using oral nasal decongestant medicines containing pseudoephedrine due to a potential risk of strokes. The agency advises using alternative methods such as salt water spray and elevating the head while sleeping. The active ingredient, pseudoephedrine, has also faced restrictions in other countries due to its potential for illegal use. A lobby for pharmaceutical companies argues that the warning is premature and alarmist.