Should You Pop A Meftal Everytime For Period Cramps? Govt States Risks

The well-known pain relief, Meftal, that many women rely on for period cramps can have adverse side effects, according to a government issues safety alert released on Thursday. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) released a statement on November 30, as reported by WION, which warned against the rife usage of the well-known painkiller. The notice stated that Meftal has the potential to cause Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) syndrome.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) of India states that DRESS syndrome is a severe allergic reaction caused by medication that affects about 8% to 10% of the population and is characterised by the clinical triad of fever, rash, and internal organ (especially lymph nodes and liver) involvement. The DRESS syndrome is manifested two to eight weeks after intake of the medication, and can be fatal in some cases, the NIH warned.

Ill-Effects Of Meftal

Meftal, containing mefenamic acid, is commonly prescribed for various conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, dysmenorrhoea, mild to moderate pain, inflammation, fever, and dental pain. Despite being a prescription drug, Meftal is commonly bought over the counter for commonly occurring pains like period cramps, migraines, or muscle soreness. Sold as Meftal, Mefkind, Mefanorm and Ibuclin P, mefenamic acid shares similarities with medications like ibuprofen and aspirin.

The IPC warned that Meftal should not be consumed without prior consultation from a doctor. They released a statement that reads, "Healthcare professionals, patients and consumers are advised to closely monitor the possibility of the above adverse drug reactions (ADR) associated with the use of the above-suspected drug."

Dr Gautam Bhansali, consultant physician at Bombay Hospital told the Indian Express, “Prolonged use of drugs like Meftal may increase the risk of stomach ulcers, bleeding and related complications. Those with a history of gastrointestinal problems or concurrently using other NSAIDs or anticoagulants should exercise caution."

The IPC's Caution

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission stated some actions to be taken when symptoms of Meftal side effects are noticed. "If such a reaction is encountered, people should report the matter to the national coordination centre of the PvPI [Pharmacovigilance Programme of India] under the commission by filing a form on the website - www.ipc.gov.in - or through the android mobile app ADR PvPI and PvPI helpline number 1800-180-3024," the release stated.