The review Prescribe added, this Monday, December 1, four new drugs to its annual list of treatments “to avoid”, covering areas ranging from gynecology to pulmonology to rheumatology. According to the 2026 edition of the journal, these products were included because they “expose them to disproportionate adverse effects in view of a lack of proof of clinical effectiveness, or of uncertain or even too low effectiveness compared to a placebo”. Focus on the 4 drugs singled out by the independent review.
Four drugs newly highlighted by Prescrire
Four treatments are included in the journal’s blacklist:
- Andexanet alfa (Ondexxya). It is an antidote to anti-Xa anticoagulants used in emergency. “It is considered more dangerous than useful, its severe side effects being considered disproportionate” says Dr. Kierzek. According to Prescrire, its use in fact exposes one to “serious thromboembolic accidents” which are sometimes more frequent than the benefits obtained in serious hemorrhages;
- Chondroitin (Chondrosulf or other). “It is a widely sold supplement for osteoarthritis, but proves to be ineffective while exposing it to hypersensitivity reactions” underlines the doctor. The molecule can in fact cause sometimes severe reactions (erythema, urticaria, angioedema);
- Fézolinétant (Veoza), intended to relieve hot flashes of menopause. Prescrire considers its adverse effects disproportionate: hepatotoxicity, digestive and neuropsychological disorders, various pains… “It should be particularly avoided in women who are pregnant or likely to be pregnant. indicates our expert;
- Gefapixant (Lyfnua), first drug authorized in Europe for refractory or unexplained chronic cough. “Unfortunately, not only does it not demonstrate clear effectiveness compared to the placebo, but it exposes us to sometimes serious adverse effects” establishes Dr. Kierzek. The disadvantages are numerous: frequent taste disturbances, suspected increased risk of pneumonia and urolithiasis.
“These molecules should be discarded in favor of safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives.” supports the doctor.
These four drugs therefore join the 106 treatments already listed in the Prescrire 2025 report, including 88 marketed in France.
Why are these drugs considered “more dangerous than useful”?
The methodology of Prescribe is based on a rigorous and independent evaluation: analysis of the scientific literature, prioritization of data, randomized comparative trials when available and systematic consideration of adverse effects.
For each of the four recent drugs, Prescrire considers that the benefit-risk balance is unfavorable:
- When clinical effectiveness has not been demonstrated (chondroitin for osteoarthritis, gefapixant for chronic cough);
- When the effectiveness is very modest, sometimes comparable to the placebo;
- When serious adverse effects (hepatic toxicity, thromboembolic risks, allergic reactions, etc.) far outweigh the benefits.
According to Prescrire, when a less risky option exists, it is preferable to turn to it, or even to avoid drug treatment when it does not provide significant benefit.
What this changes for patients and prescribers
The status of authorized medicine does not guarantee the absence of danger. Even recent molecules presented as innovative can, when tested in reality, prove to be ineffective or risky.
If you or a loved one are taking one of these medications, it is important to consult your doctor or pharmacist to assess the real benefit of the treatment and to consider alternatives – medicinal or not.
The complete list of the 2026 results can be found on Prescrire.org