Meftal, a painkiller commonly used to alleviate menstrual cramps, has come under the scrutiny of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), with the organization recently issuing a drug safety notice alerting healthcare providers and patients to be on the lookout for adverse reactions caused by the medicine. Does this imply you have to stop taking the drug? What are some bad impact signs to look out for?

The drug was linked to eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome, also known as drug-induced hypersensitivity syndrome, according to a preliminary analysis for adverse reactions at the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database. Its symptoms might appear two to eight weeks after drug use and include skin rash, fever, haematological abnormalities, and lymphadenopathy.

Corresponding to an alert released on November 30 by the IPC, an autonomous arm of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that was established to monitor the standards of drugs manufactured and sold in India.

Meftal-Spas has been linked to a number of adverse effects in addition to DRESS syndrome, including indigestion, dry mouth, impaired vision, elevated blood pressure, edema, skin rash, and gastrointestinal problems like bleeding and ulcers in the stomach.

Following an advisory sent by the IPC, individuals should contact the national coordination center of the PvPI right away if they experience an adverse reaction by completing a form available on their website or by calling their Helpline at 1800-180-3024.

Meftal Spas: Use and Abuse

To start, there are two types of Meftal. Meftal, also referred to as salt, is a non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) that is used to treat joint pain, headaches, and pain associated with injuries.

On the other hand, Meftal Spas is the brand name for a combination medication that contains both an antispasmodic and an anti-inflammatory (mefenamic acid and dicyclomine). It is indicated for any type of spasmodic pain, such as cramps during menstruation, stomach, intestinal, or even urinary tract discomfort.

When used as directed, Meftal, an NSAID, can help alleviate mild to moderate pain, according to Dr. Dhruv Bibra, a pain management specialist at Delhi Pain Management Centre.

Meftal is, nonetheless, easily obtained over-the-counter in India without a prescription, much like other NSAIDs. This implies that it's frequently used without a doctor's supervision.

"This is unfortunate," Dr. Bibra remarks, noting that, "even if it is prescribed, people often go beyond the prescription."

"These are drugs that do have side effects so our long-term unsupervised use can cause them to flare up later." Dr. Dhruv Bibra, an expert in pain management. He continues, "Meftal also has a specific allergic reaction unique to it."

"It can cause skin rashes, itching, and sometimes it can trigger an immune response causing small nodular bumps all over the body.”

The Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida, Dr. Sonali Gupta, comments on these adverse effects, saying that "if you're taking it without any supervision, it can cause gastric issues, nausea, and in the long term, indiscriminate use can lead to kidney damage."

The saying "Treat the Cause, Not the Symptom"

Some discomfort is common during the menstrual cycle.

According to Dr. Sonali Gupta, this occurs as a result of the release of prostaglandins, which are chemicals that resemble hormones and cause pain to begin. It should be mentioned, though, that with home remedies like rest and heat fomentation, this discomfort should be moderate and controllable.

Dr. Gupta states that if your period cramps are severe enough to require medication and you have to take it often, it may be a sign of an underlying condition such as fibroids, endometriosis, or even a micronutritional deficiency.

"You must investigate the underlying cause of the pain. So that you can diagnose and treat the cause, and not just the symptoms." Acute pain is usually a sign, according to Dr. Sonali Gupta, the Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fortis Hospital in Greater Noida.

Dr. Dhruv Bibra approves stating, "Acute pain is always a symptom. So, we need to find out what is the cause. If you ignore the cause, it can fester over time and lead to further complications."

Dos and Don'ts

In the unlikely event that you still need to take medication sometimes, bear the following points in mind:

  • Take it with food rather than without.
  • Ensure that you are properly hydrated.
  • Take it just as directed. Take no more than one or, at most, two pills each day.
  • Never take it with alcohol.
  • Avoid using it with other painkillers.
  • If you have any adverse reaction symptoms, stop using the drug.

"I see my patients often pop multiple of them a day, and I tell them, if the first two didn't work, the third isn't going to either. In fact, what you are going to get is the side effects."

According to Dr. Gupta, "If you have acute pain and you need medication in every cycle, consult a doctor to figure out the cause."

You might also be intersted in - WHO sounds alert over sale of fake liver medicines in India, Turkiye