Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: BS
Context: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has issued a drug safety alert regarding the painkiller Meftal, cautioning about potential adverse reactions associated with mefenamic acid, including the risk of Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.
What is DRESS syndrome?
It is a severe and potentially life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction to certain medications. It is characterized by a delayed onset of symptoms, including fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia (an increase in a type of white blood cells), and various systemic manifestations.
What is Meftal?
Meftal is commonly prescribed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhoea, mild to moderate pain, inflammation, fever, dental pain, muscle and joint pain, period pain, sore throats, nerve pain, and muscle aches.
Prolonged use of Meftal and similar drugs may increase the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding, and adverse effects on the cardiovascular system.
About
Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (HQ: Ghaziabad (UP); founded: 1956) is an autonomous institution of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare which sets standards for all drugs that are manufactured, sold and consumed in India.
