The government of India issued an alert, Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has sounded the alarm over the widely used painkiller, Meftal, cautioning against its uninformed use for headaches, body aches, or general pain. This advisory, issued on November 30, highlights potential dangers associated with excessive consumption of Meftal, particularly the risk of serious allergies such as DRESS syndrome.
The IPC’s warning emphasizes the need for close monitoring by healthcare professionals and patients for any adverse reactions associated with Meftal use. The alert underscores the potential severity of these adverse reactions and urges both doctors and individuals to exercise caution.
One of the primary concerns raised by the IPC is that Meftal, despite being easily accessible without a prescription, can have fatal consequences if used recklessly. The commission advises immediate cessation of Meftal consumption if any adverse effects are observed. However, doctors note that such adverse effects are relatively rare.
Healthcare experts caution that individual reactions to medications can vary significantly, and Meftal should only be taken in limited doses as prescribed by a doctor. Despite this, the ease of availability without a prescription raises concerns about its misuse.
Meftal, commonly used for various types of pain, including period pain, headaches, and muscle and joint pain, contains mefenamic acid with diverse applications. The danger lies in its potential to escalate DRESS syndrome—an allergic reaction affecting approximately 10 percent of individuals.
Symptoms include fever, skin rashes, lymphadenopathy, blood-related problems, and, in severe cases, internal organ damage. The impact of excessive Meftal use is particularly noticeable within two to eight weeks, making it a potentially fatal health risk. The IPC’s alert serves as a crucial reminder to exercise prudence and seek professional advice before reaching for Meftal for pain relief.
Author
-
by
-
