Govt Alert: Period Pain Drug Meftal Painkiller Unveils New Side-Effects

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), a prominent regulatory body in India's pharmaceutical sector, has issued a cautionary alert directed at both patients and healthcare practitioners regarding Meftal, a widely-used pain-relief medication. This drug, containing mefenamic acid, is readily available over-the-counter in India, often used without prescription to alleviate headaches, menstrual pain, joint discomfort, and muscular aches. It's also occasionally employed to manage high fevers. Under the Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI), responsible for gathering and monitoring data on potential reactions and adverse effects associated with pharmaceutical products, Meftal's link to inducing DRESS syndrome has been identified.

Notable products falling within this medication category include Dr. Reddy’s Ibuclin P, Blue Cross Laboratories’ Meftal, Pfizer’s Ponstan, Serum Institute’s Mefanorm, and Mankind Pharma’s Mefkind P.

Understanding DRESS syndrome: DRESS syndrome, an abbreviation for Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, signifies a severe form of allergic reaction. This condition holds the potential for fatality, with an approximate 10 percent mortality rate among affected patients. The syndrome manifests when the body strongly reacts to specific medications, potentially affecting internal organs and presenting as a skin rash.

Potential side effects of Meftal: The alert emphasized the need for healthcare professionals, patients, and consumers to remain vigilant regarding potential adverse drug reactions (ADR) linked with the suspected medication. While healthcare providers and experts advise monitoring for the side effects of this medicine, some doctors highlight that DRESS syndrome is a recognized risk associated with numerous non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Although less common with ibuprofen, it remains a possibility with several other medications. Furthermore, doctors note the variability in patient responses to medications, indicating that reactions can differ significantly from one individual to another.

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