63°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

FDA issues teething medication warning, wants gels off shelves

WASHINGTON — Federal health officials are warning parents about the dangers of teething remedies that contain a popular numbing ingredient.

The Food and Drug Administration is asking manufacturers to stop selling their products intended for babies and toddlers.

The agency said Wednesday that various gels containing the drug benzocaine can cause rare but deadly side effects in children, especially those 2 years and younger.

Benzocaine is found in popular brands used to treat mouth sores in adults, including Orajel and Anbesol. The agency said it will take action against companies that don’t voluntarily remove their products for young children. It is also asking for new warnings on adult products.

Regulators have issued multiple warnings about benzocaine but deaths have continued. It can cause a blood condition linked to breathing problems.

MOST READ
Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Exploring Death Valley’s lesser-known areas

Day trippers ready to move beyond Death Valley’s greatest hits should consider less popular tracts like the park’s sand dunes, badlands and Star Wars backdrops.

Family can be strong foundation to weather any storm

A friend and colleague of mine, Dena Johns, a licensed marriage and family therapist, as well as a mother and a wife, was recently diagnosed with cancer.

At 64, George Clooney now fully grasps his dad’s advice

“Now I completely understand what he was saying, because I’m so happy with my life,” George Clooney says of his father’s lesson about fame and family.

What are the steps to appeal a Medicare claim denial?

If you disagree with a decision made by Medicare, you can appeal. But first, check to see if the culprit is something simple like a billing code error.

MORE STORIES