Frenadol advert with 'flu sufferer driving sparks controversy

FACUA-Consumers in Action has complained to the Spanish Medicine and Healthcare Products Agency (AEMPS) about the commercial, in which a man is shown suffering from a severe cough and fever, then drinks a cup of Frenadol – a soluble solution which comes in sachets and is mixed with hot or cold water – before getting behind the wheel of his car.

He is shown taking his young children out fishing, and the subtitle reads: “This medication can cause drowsiness and driving is not recommended.”

The consumer organisation says the advert is 'negligent and dangerous', since if people do not notice the small print at the bottom of the screen, cannot read, or cannot read Spanish, they may assume it is safe to drive a car after taking Frenadol, which has a soporific effect.

A Royal Decree, or Bill of Law, from 1994 allows AEMPS to withdraw commercials where it considers they pose a risk to public safety or health, or are misleading to the public, FACUA recalls.

Frenadol contains paracetamol and is very effective against aches and pains associated with colds and 'flu, coughing, a blocked-up nose and fever, and is available in boxes of 10 sachets over the counter at any high street chemist's.