The statement “Brain damage is possible even after a single dose. The EMA has ordered the immediate recall of the drugs.” is accurate only in a very specific context. It does not apply to all medicines or vaccines.
In February 2026, the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA) safety committee (PRAC) recommended withdrawing medicines containing levamisole from the EU market after reviewing evidence of a rare but serious side effect called leukoencephalopathy, a disease affecting the brain’s white matter.
Key details:
- Drug involved: Levamisole-containing medicines (used in some countries to treat parasitic worm infections).
- Reason for withdrawal: The risk of leukoencephalopathy, a rare but potentially severe form of brain injury.
- Single-dose risk: The EMA stated that symptoms may occur even after a single dose, with onset ranging from 1 day to several months after treatment.
- Why the drug was withdrawn: The EMA concluded that there were no reliable measures to predict or reduce the risk, and because the drug treats generally mild infections, its risks outweighed its benefits.
Symptoms of levamisole-associated leukoencephalopathy can include:
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
- Weakness
- Vision changes
- Speech difficulties
- Seizures (in severe cases)
If you saw the statement in a social media post, it may have omitted the important context that it refers specifically to levamisole-containing medicines, not to medications in general.
If you’re referring to a different drug or a specific post, send me the name or a screenshot, and I can explain the details.