Drug Safety Alert: Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission flags adverse reactions linked to Etoricoxib, others

New Delhi: The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), through its recently issued drug safety alert for the month of July, has revealed that certain drugs, such as Etoricoxib, Torsemide, Quetiapine and Valproic Acid Interaction, are associated with Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs), respectively, Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP), DRESS Syndrome, and Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events.

This came after preliminary analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI) database.

Etoricoxib is a synthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that acts by binding and inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in inhibition of the conversion of arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. It possesses antipyretic, analgesic, and potential antineoplastic properties. It is indicated for the treatment of pain, swelling, and inflammatory conditions due to arthritis.

Furthermore, Torsemide is a potent loop diuretic which is used for the treatment of oedema associated with congestive heart failure & hypertension. Following the preliminary analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from the PvPI database, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) reported that Torsamide can cause DRESS syndrome, or Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, which is a hypersensitivity reaction with an estimated mortality of up to 10%.

In addition to this, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), in its latest drug safety alert, has also pointed out an adverse drug reaction caused by Quetiapine & Valproic Acid drug interaction.

Quetiapine is a psychotropic agent, and Valproic Acid is an anticonvulsant agent.

Quetiapine is indicated for the management of the manifestation of psychotic disorders (schizophrenia) and, further, it is indicated for the additional indication of "acute manic episode associated with bipolar disorder".

Meanwhile, Valproic Acid is used as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures that occur either in isolation or in association with other types of seizures. Further, it is used as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of patients with complex partial seizures and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

Following the preliminary analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) from the PvPI database, it is reported that the anticonvulsant valproic acid and the atypical antipsychotic quetiapine drug interaction can lead to Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events.

Now, as per the issued drug safety alert, the following suspected drugs are associated with the ADRs as given below:

In light of the above, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, has advised Healthcare Professionals, Patients/Consumers to closely monitor the possibility of the above ADRs associated with the use of above suspected drugs.

Further, the safety alert added, "If such reactions are encountered, please report to the NCC-PvPI, IPC by filling of Suspected Adverse Drug Reactions Reporting Form/Medicines Side Effect Reporting Form for Consumer (http://www.ipc.gov.in), through Android Mobile App "ADR PvPI App" and PvPI Helpline No. 1800-180-3024 (Toll Free)."

To view the official notice, click the link below: