DRESS Syndrome: Painkiller Meftal can have adverse reactions; govt issues drug safety alert

Source: The post is based on the article “DRESS Syndrome: Painkiller Meftal can have adverse reactions; govt issues drug safety alert” published in “Business Standard” on 8th December 2023

Why in the News?

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has warned about risks linked to the painkiller Meftal. They have cautioned about possible harmful reactions with the drug such as a severe condition called DRESS syndrome.

What is DRESS Syndrome?

1) DRESS syndrome stands for Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms.

2) It is a severe, idiosyncratic reaction to a drugs such as such as abacavir, allopurinol, and lamotrigine.

Note- Idiosyncratic drug reaction is used for unpredictable reactions that occur in only a small percentage of patients receiving the drug

3) It is characterised by a delayed onset of symptoms including fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes), eosinophilia (an increase in a type of white blood cells) and various systemic manifestations.

4) The syndrome has an estimated mortality rate of 10 per cent.

What is Meftal?

1) Meftal is an over-the-counter medication used to treat pain and inflammation.

2) It contains the active ingredient mefenamic acid, which belongs to a class of drugs known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

3) It is often prescribed for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, dental pain, inflammation, fever, etc.

4) Other commonly used NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin

What is the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)?

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