Each year, the independent journal Prescrire scrutinizes the entire pharmaceutical market to assess the benefit-risk balance of available medications. The 2026 edition of its report, published in early December 2025, identifies 108 medications "to be avoided," 89 of which are still marketed in France.

Each year, the independent journal Prescrire scrutinizes the pharmaceutical market to highlight abuses, unnecessary or overly risky treatments that nevertheless continue to be offered to patients. The 2026 edition of this annual review is no exception: the blacklist grows even longer, confirming that products deeply ingrained in French habits, sometimes sold for decades, present an unfavorable benefit-risk balance or efficacy barely superior to that of a placebo.

According to Prescrire, 108 medications are slated to be phased out by 2026, 89 of which are still marketed in France. The journal emphasizes that being on this list does not signify a market withdrawal, but rather serves as a warning for both patients and healthcare professionals.

These medications often present an unfavorable benefit-risk balance, meaning that patients face far too high risks by using them instead of other treatments, or that they expose patients to adverse effects disproportionate to their effectiveness. Still others are no more effective than a placebo, rendering their use pointless.

Spasfon, an over-the-counter medication with potentially serious side effects

Among the treatments singled out is phloroglucinol, better known as Spasfon, which is available without a prescription throughout France. Its possible side effects—allergic reactions, very rare cases of Lyell's syndrome (a potentially fatal dermatological syndrome)—are well documented, while its effectiveness remains uncertain for intestinal or gynecological pain.

This medication is only marketed in France and Italy, as Belgium stopped selling it in 2010. Yet, it remains one of the most widely used products in the country. In 2023, in France, nearly 26.5 million boxes were reimbursed by the national health insurance.

These cold and cough medications should be avoided

Beyond phloroglucinol, other widely used treatments present an unfavorable benefit-risk balance. This is the case with certain medicated clays, such as diosmectite (Smecta) or hydrotalcite (Rennieliquo), which may naturally contain lead, a neurotoxic substance. When medication is truly necessary, Prescrire recommends prioritizing clay-free alternatives, such as Gaviscon, composed of sodium bicarbonate and sodium alginate.

With winter comes a surge in mild coughs, and cough syrups reappear on household shelves. However, many of these syrups cause significant side effects without any real proven efficacy. This is the case with oxomemazine (Toplexil), which can cause drowsiness and other adverse effects. Ambroxol (Muxol), meanwhile, can lead to anaphylactic or sometimes severe skin reactions, offering no better results than a placebo.

NEW FOR 2026. In 2026, Prescrire also added gefapixant (Lyfnua), a recent medication for chronic cough, to its list. Its effectiveness is considered modest, while side effects—particularly significant taste disturbances, but also respiratory infections or urinary stones—are frequent.

Thus, in the case of a cough, if one really wants to take a medication, it is preferable, according to Prescrire, to turn to dextromethorphan, contained for example in Tussidane syrup, although it also has limitations.

Sore throats: lozenges that aren't all that useful

When faced with a sore throat, lozenges seem like an obvious solution. However, alpha-amylase (Maxilase) has not demonstrated any solid clinical efficacy and can cause allergic reactions, sometimes severe. Prescrire's advice remains unchanged: for winter ailments, honey, sugar water, lozenges, or paracetamol in cases of intense pain are better options.

Joint pain: persistent risks

The vast majority of French people report having already suffered from joint pain. To remedy this, many turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which all have common side effects, particularly digestive, cardiovascular or renal.

Among the most problematic products, aceclofenac (Cartrex) and diclofenac (Voltaren) increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality (myocardial infarction, heart failure). Muscle relaxants such as Miorel often provide no more than a placebo, while others, like methocarbamol (Lumirelax), can cause digestive and skin problems.

NEW FOR 2026. Chondroitin (Chondrosulf), widely used for osteoarthritis, will be added to the list of products to avoid in 2026. Data shows a lack of efficacy, combined with allergic risks. It joins glucosamine (Voltaflex, Flexea, Chondroflex, etc.), which is already discouraged.

In case of joint pain, Prescrire recommends prioritizing paracetamol, ibuprofen or naproxen, used occasionally and at the minimum effective dose.

Antidepressants: sometimes serious side effects

Some antidepressants are also on the blacklist. Agomelatine (Valdoxan) performed no better than a placebo in studies, while also exposing patients to hepatitis, pancreatitis, suicidal ideation, and skin reactions.

Citalopram (Seropram) and escitalopram (Seroplex), two SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants), carry an increased risk of overdose compared to other drugs in the same class.

Two more drugs to be added to the blacklist in 2026

NEW PRODUCTS FOR 2026. Andexanet alfa (Ondexxya), used in hospitals to treat certain severe hemorrhages, is highlighted by Prescrire as carrying a significant thromboembolic risk, leading to its inclusion on the list of products to avoid, even though it is not available in pharmacies. Another addition to the long blacklist is fezolinetant (Veoza), used to treat menopausal hot flashes. This very recent non-hormonal treatment is struggling to demonstrate significant benefit, while the review reports liver damage, sometimes severe.

Finally, let us remember that self-medication carries risks, and that the advice of a healthcare professional remains essential to choose a treatment that is truly useful, effective and safe.