Context: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) issued a drug safety alert regarding the common painkiller, Meftal.
IPC issues drug safety alert for Meftal
- This was based on a preliminary analysis conducted on adverse drug reactions by the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI).
- The Commission also advises people to take the drug only after consulting a doctor.
- Healthcare professionals and patients are advised to be vigilant for signs of DRESS syndrome and other adverse drug reactions.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
- It is an Autonomous Body, under administrative control of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Chairperson: The Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Mandate:
- Revision and publication of the Indian Pharmacopoeia (the official book of standards for drug ).
- National formulary of India on a regular basis besides providing IP Reference Substances and training to the stakeholders on Pharmacopoeial issues.
Pharmacovigilance Programme of India:
- It is Government of India’s flagship drug safety monitoring programme, which collects, collates and analyses drug-related adverse events (AEs).
|
About Meftal:
- Meftal is a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
- The primary component of Meftal is Mefenamic acid, a pain-relieving medication employed to mitigate muscle and joint discomfort as well as menstrual pain (menstrual cramps and rheumatoid arthritis).
- Drug Action: Reduce the production of prostaglandins, which increases the pain sensation.
- Use: It is commonly prescribed for various conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhoea, mild to moderate pain, inflammation, fever, and dental pain.
- Risk and Side effects: In addition to DRESS syndrome, other side effects such as abdominal pain, indigestion, dry mouth, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, swelling and gastrointestinal issues like stomach ulcers and bleeding.
DRESS Syndrome:
- The Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and potentially life-threatening reaction to a medication.
- Symptoms: Fever, Skin rash, Lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, and a spectrum of systemic manifestations ranging from mild to severe.
Source: Livemint