A Drug Safety Alert Against Use of Meftal

8 Dec 2023

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).

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.

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