Foods and medicines often carry warnings if they are potentially harmful to children under a certain age or weight. While careful parents read these labels and avoid unsafe products, this may limit their options when their children suffer from teething discomfort. In some cases, parents in Ohio turn to homeopathic products. Recently, however, some teething products have come under scrutiny for containing potentially toxic materials.
The Food and Drug Administration is investigating homeopathic teething gels and tablets manufactured and distributed by Hyland’s, Orajel and CVS. The investigation was triggered by a report of a child having a seizure after using one of the teething products. So far, the FDA has discovered over 400 claims of seizures, tremors and shortness of breath connected with use of the homeopathic items. Additionally, 10 infant deaths may be related to the gels and tablets.
The FDA then issued a warning to parents to stop using the teething products and dispose of them. CVS immediately pulled its products from shelves after the FDA warning. Hyland’s soon followed, removing its teething brands from stores in Ohio and across the country. Orajel has not responded to the warning. The FDA encourages parents to be aware of symptoms in their children such as lethargy, muscle weakness or digestive difficulties after consuming the gels or tablets.
Parents trust that products marketed for children are safe. When those products contain toxic materials, parents have every right to consult an attorney to see if there is cause to take action against those believed responsible for the dangerous product. Seeking compensation for the pain their children suffered is one way parents can hold manufacturers and others in the consumer supply chain accountable.
Source: 11alive.com, “FDA investigates 10 deaths possibly linked to teething products”, Alia Beard Rau and Sonja Haller, Oct. 18, 2016
