Other safety alerts
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| The United States: An important FDA reminder for parents: do not give infants cough and cold products designed for older children |
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In January 2008, manufacturers voluntarily removed over-the-counter (OTC) infant (less than 2 years of age) cough and cold products from the market due to safety concerns. Later in fall of 2008, manufacturers also voluntarily re-labeled these cough and cold products to state: "do not use in children under 4 years of age". However, there are concerns that many parents may be giving cough and cold products that remain on the market - those designed for older children - to their infants. FDA reminds all caregivers never to give a child under two years of age any kind of cough and cold product containing decongestants or antihistamines, without seeking the advice of a healthcare provider.
Please refer to the following website in FDA for details:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/SpecialFeatures/ucm263948.htm
In Hong Kong, the safety issue had been discussed in the meeting of Registration Committee of the Pharmacy and Poisons Board in April 2009. The Committee decided that pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cough and cold should no longer be indicated for the use of children under 6 years of age. A letter to remind healthcare professionals will be issued.
Ends/ Thursday, July 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 12:30
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