Painkillers | Mefenamic Acid | Menstrual Cramps | DRESS syndrome
In our country, women often take a painkiller or pill when they have pain in the lower abdomen or back during menstruation, body aches due to fever or joint pain problems.
Medicines usually used for these pains include ponstal or other drugs that provide immediate pain relief.
But now the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission under the Central Health Department of India has issued a warning that the mefenamic acid in these medicines is causing side effects.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has advised healthcare workers and patients to avoid the use of painkillers containing mefenamic acid.
In India, a pill called Meftal Spas is commonly used to relieve menstrual cramps, body aches, and it contains mefenamic acid.
The Pharmacovigilance Program of India, India’s central drug research agency, conducted preliminary tests on adverse drug reactions and the Pharmacopoeia Commission reported in its report that users of the drug also reported skin rashes and systemic syndromes such as DRESS syndrome. It is said to be caused by this pill.
The mefenamic acid in this pill causes severe allergic reactions like DRESS syndrome which has a severe effect on the internal organs of the body.
The Pharmacopoeia Commission issued these warnings on 30th of last month.
What exactly is DRESS syndrome?
DRESS syndrome is a severe allergic reaction. About 10 percent of people suffer from this side effect. But for some people, these side effects prove to be life-threatening.
The side effects of this drug appear after two to eight weeks of taking the drug. Including high fever, itching on the skin, inflammation of the lymph glands in the human body, which is also known as lymphadenopathy.
Similarly, abnormalities in blood components and damage to internal organs are part of the DRESS syndrome reaction.
DRESS syndrome can be caused by any medication. The Pharmacopoeia Commission of India hopes to reduce side effects such as DRESS syndrome by issuing guidelines to monitor drugs containing mefenamic acid.
‘Danger of long-term use of pain relievers’
However, doctors say that very few people experience these side effects and the pill is prescribed in limited doses.
However, the effects of this medicine are different for each person. But, this medicine can cause problems if taken in high doses.
Dr. Kavya, a laparoscopic surgeon and gynecologist working at Cums Hospital in India, says, “None of my patients have developed the effects of DRESS syndrome due to the use of Meftal Spas.”
“But if any painkiller is used for a long period of time, it can have health effects,” he says.
She says that taking one or two pills a month does not cause such side effects. Many women use this pill for menstrual cramps. High and regular use of mefenamic acid can affect other organs.
Gastrointestinal problems
There are concerns that long-term use of medicines containing mefenamic acid can cause stomach ulcers, bleeding and other intestinal problems.
It is also said to have a negative effect on heart health. Some studies suggest that these problems may increase if mefenamic acid is given to heart patients.
According to some medical experts, the use of mefenamic acid can also cause kidney problems.
Dr. Kavya Priya recommends that people suffering from gastrointestinal, heart and kidney problems should use Meftal or Ponstal tablets after consulting a doctor.
What should be done if there is any side effect from this medicine?
According to the Pharmacovigilance Program of India, India’s central drug research body, this pill should be used only on the advice of your doctor.
If any reaction occurs after taking this pill, people should contact their physician immediately. The drug regulatory authority should be notified to help collect relevant data.