FDA Says Teething Medicines Aren’t Safe

TYLER and LONGVIEW, Texas. The FDA recently found that teething medications that contain benzocaine can be potentially dangerous to children under 2 years of age. Until recently, these medications were marketed for use on infants suffering from teething pain. Yet, according to the Associated Press and the New York Times, the FDA has recently found that gels and creams sold to alleviate teething pain in children may be dangerous and even deadly in rare cases. The FDA also adds that these potentially dangerous gels and creams have shown little evidence that they are effective. The FDA has also announced that it would pursue legal action against companies that don’t remove these products from the shelves.

The numbing medication can also be found in products for adults, but the FDA finds these products safe for adult use. The FDA found that these products should no longer be marketed for the use of children and infants. The concern regards exposure among children under 2 years of age. Benzocaine can cause a rare condition in infants that can interact with a child’s oxygen blood supply. In some cases, infants have developed breathing problems, which, in some instances, have led to death. Despite the fact that the FDA says that the products can be marketed to adults, the government organization is asking that companies selling products with benzocaine label the products and warn consumers that the ingredient comes with the risk of serious side-effects.

Between 2009 and 2017, there were 119 cases of the blood disorder reported. Apparently, companies and the FDA have been aware of this problem for at least the last four years.

Adults often use benzocaine products to relieve pain related to toothaches, sore gums, canker sores, and other mouth irritation. The FDA warns that in rare cases, adults can also be affected with methemoglobinemia, which can impact oxygen levels in the blood. The symptoms of this condition include: blue skin, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, and rapid heart rate. If you, your child, or infant has used a product containing benzocaine and develops any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The product is being pulled from the shelves for children because of the risks and because there is no evidence that it works for children.

What rights do victims and families have if they or a loved one suffered injury or illness due to using over the counter mouth pain relief products? It appears that the FDA and even the companies may have been aware of this possible risk. It isn’t clear why the public wasn’t made aware sooner or why companies didn’t pull their products off the market for children.

If you or a loved one has suffered a personal injury due to the neglect of a company or individual, you may have important rights under the law. Visit our personal injury lawyers in Tyler and Longview, Texas at the Cooper Law Firm today. You can also visit our website at https://www.cooper-law-firm.com/ to learn more about your options and rights under the law.

 

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