Painkiller Meftal may have adverse effects, government issues alert!

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert advising health professionals and patients to monitor adverse reactions to the analgesic Meftal, commonly used for menstrual cramps and rheumatoid arthritis.

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

The Commission, in its alert, said that a preliminary analysis of adverse reactions to medicines based on the data base of the Program of Pharmacovigilance of India (PvPI) revealed reactions to medicines with eosinophilia syndrome and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

“It is recommended that health professionals and patients/consumers be vigilant regarding the possibility of producing the previously mentioned adverse reaction to the drug (RAM) associated with the use of the suspected drug”, according to the alert, issued on 30 of november.

If such a reaction occurs, advises the alert, persons should inform the matter to the national coordination center of the PvPI dependent on the commission through the submission of a form on the web site (www.ipc.gov.in) or through the Android ADR PvPI mobile application. and the help line of PvPI No. 1800-180-3024.

The IPC, an autonomous institution of the Ministry of Health, sets standards for all medicines manufactured, sold and consumed in India.