Our children are most precious to us. Their safety is our primary concern because they cannot look out for themselves and we expect that product manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies also hold child safety as a primary concern, but this does not always seem to be the case.
As reported by ABC News, the pharmaceutical company that produces Theraflu and Triaminic, Novartis Consumer Health Inc., has recalled 2.3 million units of cough and cold syrups. The reason for the recall is that four children were able to open the supposed child-resistant caps and ingest the medicine while eight other children opened the caps and did not ingest the syrup. One of the four children who did ingest the syrup required medical attention.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the child-resistant caps do not work properly. Even with the plastic seal in place, children can remove the caps and consume the medications. Children like the taste of these syrups because they come in flavors like grape and cherry. Eighteen kinds of Triaminic syrups and six kinds of Theraflu Warming Relief syrups have been recalled.
One ingredient in the recalled medications is acetaminophen which lowers a fever but when ingested in large quantities, can cause liver damage or failure. Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine is contained in some of the medications. Diphenhydramine can cause heart arrhythmias and seizures.
Good news is the medications were manufactured prior to the end of December 2011, so the vast majority of the medications have already been used and very little of the medications remain on store shelves or in home medicine cabinets.
Our Calvert County personal injury lawyers at Alpert Schreyer are dedicated and focused on seeking compensation for those who have been injured by defective medicines or medical products. Our experienced lawyers can provide the legal representation you need to stand tall against the large pharmaceutical companies. Call 301-381-2655 today to learn more about how we can be of help.