Philadelphia parents are understandably upset and confused by this week's sudden defective product recall of the pain and fever medications most used by parents, doctors and hospitals to treat children when they become ill. Over the weekend pharmaceutical behemoth Johnson & Johnson, Inc. announced a voluntary recall of infant and children's liquid Tylenol and Motrin, two of the country's most popular children's pain relievers. Other drugs the company markets for children and infants, including infant and children's Zyrtec and Benadryl, popular allergy medications, were also recalled. (Click here for more information from the drug manufacturer.)
According to information released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, in issuing the recall Johnson & Johnson cited manufacturing deficiencies that could affect the quality, purity or potency of the children's drugs involved. In a press release, Johnson & Johnson warned parents in Philadelphia and across the U.S. that the recalled drugs may contain higher concentrations of active ingredients than is specified on the package. Inactive ingredients that failed to meet Johnson & Johnson's internal quality control standards may also be evident in recalled medications. Some recalled children's medications may also contain tiny particles, the press release noted, although the content of those particles was not revealed.
The FDA said that so far it has not received any reports of children getting sick or dying from the tainted medications. However, doctors and Philadelphia personal injury lawyers warned parents to watch for and immediately report to their pediatrician or a hospital any worrisome symptoms, including rash, diarrhea or vomiting. If you suspect that your child has become ill or been made sicker from using one of the recalled drugs, contact an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney for a free case evaluation. The FDA said that parents can safely use generic versions of the recalled drugs, but reminded parents to carefully check for correct dosage amounts when switching drugs.
