THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, Dec 8: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued an alert regarding the common painkiller, Meftal.
In a release issued on Thursday, it said that people must take the drug only after consulting a doctor as it contains mefenamic acid which can trigger adverse reactions like DRESS syndrome, etc. Meftal is a commonly used drug for menstrual cramps and rheumatoid arthritis.
“Healthcare professionals, patients, and consumers are advised to closely monitor the possibility of the above adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with the use of the above-suspected drug,” the alert said.
The alert comes as Meftal was rapidly becoming a common painkiller in homes with people using it without much caution to get some relief from muscle and joint pain.
The primary constituent of Meftal is Mefenamic acid, a pain-relieving agent employed for the alleviation of muscle and joint pain as well as menstrual pain. Additionally, it exhibits efficacy in mitigating sore throats, nerve pain, and muscle aches.
What is DRESS syndrome
“The Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS syndrome) is a unique and severe idiosyncratic response to a medication, marked by a protracted onset period. It was linked to medications such as abacavir, allopurinol, and lamotrigine. Subsequently, it manifests through a diverse array of clinical symptoms, typically including fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, and a spectrum of systemic manifestations ranging from mild to severe,” said Dr. Sidhant Goel, The Hans Foundation, Nalagarh.
