Last week, the FDA issued a release stating that it was urging companies to remove over-the-counter (OTC) medications for teething pain that contained benzocaine. Companies have been asked to stop marketing the products and remove the products from stores immediately. In addition, any oral health product that contains benzocaine should have a new warning added to the label about a potentially fatal blood disorder associated with the use of benzocaine.
Benzocaine and Methemoglobinemia
Benzocaine is a medication used to treat irritation and pain of the gums and mouth. The medication is included in a variety of OTC products, including sprays, lozenges, gels, solutions, and ointments. The FDA has warned that the use of benzocaine products can increase the risk of developing methemoglobinemia, which can be deadly.
Methemoglobinemia is a blood disorder that results in a substantial reduction of the oxygen level in a person’s blood. In addition to notifying companies to discontinue marketing OTC oral pain products containing benzocaine, the FDA also has instructed manufacturers to add additional warnings for the blood disorder on prescription local anesthetics that contain benzocaine. Manufacturers have 30 days to reply to the FDA’s requirement about the new changes to safety labels.
The FDA recommends that consumers read the label on OTC oral health products to determine if they contain benzocaine. If the product does contain benzocaine, consumers should be very cautious and watch for any signs or symptoms of the blood disorder. Symptoms include fatigue, rapid heart rate, headache, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and discolored nail beds, lips, or skin. Anyone experiencing any of these symptoms after using a product containing benzocaine should see a doctor immediately.
Dangerous and Hazardous Drugs
Prescription and over-the-counter medications have side effects. The FDA requires that manufacturers list those side effects clearly on the package or label for consumers. However, some drugs are defective and dangerous. There are also manufacturers that do not provide adequate warnings of risks associated with a certain medication. When this occurs, a consumer or patient can be seriously injured or suffer life-threatening conditions.
If you are injured after taking a medication, you may be entitled to receive compensation if the medication was defective or the manufacturer failed to label the drug properly. However, filing a defective drug claim can be a complex matter. You want the assistance of experienced product liability attorneys who routinely handle dangerous drug claims.
Our New Orleans dangerous drug lawyers represent clients throughout the United States in claims involving:
- Actos
- Lipitor
- Onglyza / Kombiglyze
- Pradaxa
- Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)
- Risperdal
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Xarelto
- Zofran
- Zoloft
You could be entitled to recover compensation for your medical expenses, pain, loss of income, and other damages related to the injury or illness caused by the defective drug.
Call a Nationwide New Orleans Dangerous Drug Attorney
Contact Attorney Fred Olinde of The Olinde Firm by calling (504) 587-1440 or 1-800-587-1889 to request a free case review with a New Orleans product liability attorney. Our lawyers accept cases on a contingency fee basis. You do not need to worry about paying any attorney fees upfront or during your case. Attorney fees are paid after your case is settled.