New Delhi: Meftal, which is widely used by Indians for different reasons such as for relieving menstrual pains, headaches, and muscle and joint pain and also for children in cases of high fever could have side effects. Pharma standard body Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert for doctors and patients about the use of the commonly used painkiller mefenamic acid, popularly sold under the brand name Meftal.
The Pharmacovigilance Program of India (PvPI), which monitors and collects information about adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and adverse events associated with pharmaceutical products, in its ‘preliminary analysis’ has found that the drug mefenamic acid triggers drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms called DRESS syndrome, News18 reported.
Notably, the drug is not an OTC product that can be sold without a prescription. The top brands in the category include Blue Cross Laboratories’ Meftal, Mankind Pharma’s Mefkind P, Pfizer’s Ponstan, Serum Institute’s Mefanorm and Dr Reddy’s Ibuclin P.
DRESS syndrome, short for Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, is a serious allergic reaction. It can be deadly, with around 10 per cent people experiencing this reaction passing away.
This syndrome occurs when your body reacts strongly to certain medications. It shows up as a skin rash and can affect one’s internal organs. It’s essential to be cautious about medications to avoid this severe reaction.
The warning
The alert has asked healthcare professionals and patients to closely monitor the side effects of the medicine.
“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.
“If, such a reaction is encountered, please report to the IPC by filing of suspected adverse drug reactions.”
