Popping painkiller Meftal at will? Govt issues safety alert for patients, doctors

NT Correspondent

New Delhi: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert advising healthcare professionals and patients to monitor adverse reactions of painkiller Meftal, commonly used for menstrual cramps and rheumatoid arthritis.

The mefenamic acid painkiller is prescribed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhoea, mild to moderate pain, inflammation, fever and dental pain.

The commission, in its alert, stated that a preliminary analysis of adverse drug reactions from the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database revealed drug reactions with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.

"Healthcare professionals, patients/consumers are advised to closely monitor the possibility of the above adverse drug reaction (ADR) associated with the use of the suspected drug," according to the alert, issued on November 30.

It advised healthcare professionals and patients to keep an eye out on the side effects of the medicine.

However several doctors say that DRESS syndrome is a known side-effect of many non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

And while it is not as common with an ibuprofen, it can still occur in case of many medicines.

Additionally, doctors say that the responses of patients to medicines can vary from patient to patient.

What is DRESS syndrome?

DRESS syndrome or Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms is a condition characterised by severe allergic reactions.

The condition can be potentially deadly and 10 per cent of the patients experiencing it are likely to die. The syndrome occurs when the body reacts strongly to certain medicines.