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Benzocaine Topical Products Can Cause Rare and Potentially Fatal Blood Disease Warns FDA
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The FDA is warning the public about a potentially fatal side effect associated with Benzocaine, the main ingredient in over-the-counter gels and liquids applied to the gums or mouth to reduce pain. The over-the-counter products containing Benzocaine include Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, Orabase, and store brand equivalents. These products are marketed to be used for pain relief from teething, canker sores, and irritation of the mouth and gums.
These and other Benzocaine products have caused a drug side effect called Methemoglobinemia.
Methemoglobinemia results in the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream being greatly reduced. In the most severe cases,
Methemoglobinemia can result in death.
Signs and symptoms of Methemoglobinemia can appear within minutes to one or two hours after using Benzocaine. They include pale, gray or blue colored skin, lips, and nail beds; headache; lightheadedness; shortness of breath; fatigue; and tachycardia. Symptoms can appear after just one use of a Benzocaine product, or after multiple previous uses where there was no side effect before. You may read more about
Methemoglobinemia
HERE.
Even though Benzocaine products are sold over-the-counter, they should not be used on children under two years of age, except on advice and direct supervision of a physician. Instead of Benzocaine, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends more natural remedies for teething pain. For example, give the child a teething ring chilled in the refrigerator, or gently rub or massage the child's gums with your fingers to relieve the symptoms of teething pain.
If a Benzocaine product has caused you, your child, or your family member to develop Methemoglobinemia, PLEASE report this to the FDA so the agency knows the extent of the problem. You may do so online
HERE, at
the FDA's website. Also, please save the product package, any unused portion of the product, and your purchase receipt if you still have it. Keeping these items will strengthen your ability to assert a legal claim if you choose to do so.
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Posted By DeCarli Law on
April 15, 2011 10:30 am |
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