11 die in Belgium using controversial drug domperidone

Eleven people in Belgium who had being using the controversial drug domperidone have died, L'Avenir newspaper reported Monday.

Domperidone, which is largely marketed under the name Motilium, is prescribed to combat feelings of nausea.

A recent report by the medical journal "Prescribe" said domperidone was responsible for the deaths of over 200 people in France in 2012.

According to the Federal Agency for Medicines and Health Products (FAMHP), 11 people taking domperidone have died in Belgium.

"With regard to patients treated with medications containing domperidone, 11 deaths were reported to the FAMHP," a statement on the medical professionals' platform MediPlanet said.

Of these, five were reported by medical professionals, meaning "the causal link between the adverse event and base drug domperidone is considered possible," according to the statement.

According to research, domperidone has negative effects on the heart, especially for those over 60.

In September 2014, sales of Motilium 60g suppositories were withdrawn in Belgium, following a decision by the European Commission stating domperidone was a potentially unsafe drug.