Over 500 Deaths Per Year Associated with Children's Cough and Cold Medicine
(MMD Newswire) December 4, 2008 -- Research published in the American Academy of Pediatrics official journal, “Pediatrics,” reveals that there is an estimated 500 pediatric deaths a year associated with children’s cold and cough medicine (http://www.pediatrics.org/cgi/content/full/122/6/1413 ).
“Up until this new research, officials assumed that there were only 3 or 4 deaths a year from these medications” says Dr. Jeffery L. Chamberlain, the family doctor and co-founder of Honey Don’t Cough, who performed the mathematical extrapolation. “Deaths have been drastically underreported because when a child gets sick and dies, doctors assume that the death was solely related to the illness itself. Typically, no one thinks to check for toxic medications that could have contributed to the death.”
Doctors and child advocates are pushing for government intervention. Dr. Mary Ellen Rimsza, lead author of the article, “Unexpected Infant Deaths Associated With the Use of Cough and Cold Medications,” and chair of the Arizona Child Fatality Review Program, writes, “We have suggested that our state Medicaid program initiate a public education campaign regarding the risks associated with use of OTC cough and cold medicines since poor, publicly insured families may be more likely to give these products to their infants.”
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is slow to respond. It is currently going though a multiyear review of these medications, and although it’s own committee has recommending this medications “not be used right now” for children under 6, the FDA itself is refusing to make a formal decision at this time. As a concession, drug companies have offered to revise their labeling to direct parents not to use these medications for children under 4 years of age. Nevertheless, the American Academy of Pediatrics and other child advocate groups have issued warnings to physicians and parents about the dangers associated with using OTC cough and cold medication for children under 6 years of age.
Media Contact:
Name : Jeffery L. Chamberlain M.D.
Email : chamberlain@honeydontcough.com
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