Indian government warns against painkillers with mefenamic acid

Next time you develop knee pain, menstrual cramps or dental aches, beware of buying painkillers containing mefenamic acid. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) issued a drug safety alert against mefenamic acid on November 30, advising healthcare professionals and the general population to monitor adverse drug reactions (ADRs) that may be triggered by its usage. Sold under brand names like Meftal, Mefkind and Mefanorm, mefenamic acid can give rise to adverse reactions that can appear two to eight weeks after taking the drug. According to experts, the problem arises when people self-medicate and don’t take the right dosage, giving rise to adverse reactions. As a result, they stress the need for the implementation of strict rules prohibiting pharmacies from selling these drugs without a prescription.