Recall information
Written: Nov 19 '00 (Updated Nov 21 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: NONE
Cons: Causing strokes
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| Daphnye's Full Review: Dimetapp Elixir |
I have edited this epinion, to make it more informative, and reword it more appropriately. I would also like to personally thank newswriter001, mummummum, maggsmomm, and sharee5800 who all joined in on my effort to gather facts regarding this issue, and point me in the right direction towards informing the consumers.
This was taken from the FDA website:
Phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride
FDA is taking steps to remove phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride from all drug products due to the risk of hemorrhagic stroke. FDA has significant concerns because of the seriousness of stroke and the inability to predict who is at risk.
[November 6, 2000 (Public Health Advisory) - FDA.]
The recalled products include:
Dimetapp Elixer, Dimetapp DM, Dimetapp chewable tablets, Dimetapp extend tabs, Dimetapp 4 hour liquigells, and Robitussin CF with the lot number 002458 and below. These products contain PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE, which has been causing strokes in young women. *They say young women, but I highly suspect it would cause strokes in any category of people.*
The FDA has asked WHITE-HALL ROBINS, a division of American Home Products, to STOP producing any and all products that contain PPA. (phenylpropanolamine) Please check any and all cough and cold products you have in your home for this ingrediant NOW.
American Home Products also produces these items, which I'm sure you have in your medicine chest also: Advil, Anecin, Axid AR, Caltrate, Centrum, Chapstick, Chef Boy-Ar-Dee, Dimetapp, Dristan, Fibercon, Preperation H, Pimatine Mist, and Robitussin.
On Nov 6, 2000, White-Hall Robbins ceased shipping these products, by the request of the FDA. On Nov. 13, they started shipping NEW products without the PPA in them. The new prodcuts can be identified by the yellow band around the package that reads "New Formula".
If you have ANY of these products, discontinue use IMMEDIATELY. You can call Dimetapp at 1-888-797-5638 for instructions on how to get your products replaced with the new formula. They want the old product shipped back to them. They will send you a package that is pre-addressed, and postage paid. They say it takes two weeks for you to receive this package.
ONE of my main concerns was Whitehall Robbins stating that NONE of their recalled products were childrens products. Robitussen CF, is not a childrens product PERSAY, but it can be used for children. Their bottle gives clear instructions that read:
Adult dose: (or CHILDREN under 12) 2 teaspoons every four hours
CHILD dose: 6-12 years 1 teaspoon every four hours
CHILD dose: 2-6 years 1/2 teaspoon every four hours
Under two - consult physician
This product is used for the entire family, and ALL of the medicines in your cabinet should be checked for PPA content. Not just the ones that stipulate they are for children. When asked, Whitehall Robins denied that any of their childrens products contained PPA, and when I told them of the Robitussen CF with PPA in it, I was told it was NOT recommended for children under 12. I read her the label, and told her that was not true, according to the bottle. She then recanted, and said it is not DESIGNED specifically for children.
Another issue here is whether or not Dimetapp CHILDRENS products contain PPA. I called them and was told they DID NOT. But, after speaking to many people on this subject, we knew there were some floating around. I told them this, and was then informed that YES, if you are from CANADA, your childrens products DO have PPA in them. They have stated that Canada does not have the control systems like the US does. Whitehall-Robins is doing a voluntary recall in Canada, and they are also refunding the money to people who have these products in their home. The number for Canadians to call is 1-800-387-8647. There is also a doctor there who can address any concerns you may have.
ALSO: There have been some DIMETAPP childrens products found in the US that contain PPA as well. These seem to be limited to samples given out by doctors. Please check any free samples you might have been given for PPA.
*I have been told that the amount of PPA in these products is so minimal, that the risk is very small. My answer to this is that this information should be made available to the consumer, for them to decide for themselves if they wish to take the risk or not. My daughter already has congenital heart disease, and quite frankly, any risk that may harm my children is too large for me.*
Here are some numbers you can call for information:
FDA: 1-888-info-FDA
Whitehall Robins - 1-888-797-5638 US
Whitehall Robins - 1-800-387-8647 Canada
I strongly urge everyone to check every medicine bottle they have, even if it is not included in the recall. After personally speaking to Whitehall Robbins, I feel that they are only giving out the minimum of information they need to on this subject. They only admitted to the products being sold in Canada, after being further pressed.
Recommended:
No
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Daphnye
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Location: PA
Reviews written: 82
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