Why is it in the news?
- The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) issues a drug safety alert regarding the painkiller Meftal. Concerns raised about potential adverse reactions, particularly about the risk of DRESS syndrome.
About DRESS Syndrome
- DRESS stands for Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms.
- It is an idiosyncratic reaction to certain drugs like abacavir, allopurinol, and lamotrigine.
| Idiosyncratic drug reaction: Unpredictable reactions occurring in a small percentage of patients receiving the drug. |
- Delayed onset of symptoms; Includes fever, skin rash, lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes), eosinophilia (increase in a type of white blood cells), and various systemic manifestations.
- Characterized by severe symptoms, with an estimated mortality rate of 10 percent.
About Meftal
- Meftal is an over-the-counter medication used for pain and inflammation management.
- Contains mefenamic acid, a member of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) class.
- Prescribed for various conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, menstrual pain, dental pain, inflammation, and fever.
| NSAIDs Class
· Belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. · Other commonly used NSAIDs include ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin. |
About Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
- A body operating independently within the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Established to set and update drug standards in India.
- Basic function involves regular updates of drug standards, aligning with prevalent diseases.
- Publishes official documents (IP) to enhance the quality of medicines through new additions and updates to existing monographs.
- Contributes to rational use of generic medicines by publishing the National Formulary of India.
- Provides IP Reference Substances (IPRS) as fingerprints for identification and purity testing of articles under the Indian Pharmacopoeia.
Benefits of International recognition of the Indian pharmacopeia Standards
Boost Export Opportunities:
- International recognition of Indian Pharmacopeia Standards eliminates double regulation, duplication in testing, and post-importation checks.
- Boosts export potential for Indian pharmaceutical products.
- Provides Indian drug exporters with a competitive edge in global markets.
Affordable Access to Quality Products:
- Enhances affordability as quality pharmaceuticals from India become more accessible in the global market.
Facilitates Generic Medicine Development:
- International recognition opens avenues for manufacturers in importing countries to engage in the development of generic medicines.
- Encourages collaboration and contribution to global healthcare solutions.
