FDA Recall: Triaminic Vapor Patch Possibly Dangerous for Children
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Public Health Advisory, consumers should not use the Triaminic Vapor Patch, a children's cough suppressant. Novartis Consumer Health, the manufacturer of the Triaminic Vapor Patch, is voluntarily reacalling the patch because it may cause serious harm to children who accidentally ingest it. The Triaminic Vapor Patch is advertised as a cough suppressant for children over the age of two. The package label instructs consumers to apply the patch to the throat or chest. However, once applied, a child who may be enticed by the patch’s cherry or menthol scent can easily remove and swallow the product. The patch contains camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, ingredients that can cause symptoms that range from minor to life-threatening, including a burning sensation in the mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting, and seizures. The FDA is aware of one report in Canada associated with the identical version of the Triaminic Vapor Patch where a two year old child was reported to have had a seizure after chewing the medicated patch.
Novartis Consumer Health and the FDA urge consumers to return the patch to its place of purchase or discard it in the trash. Any adverse reactions seen with the use of the product should be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Consumers may also submit a report via mail by downloading a postage-paid FDA form. For more information on the Triaminic Vapor Patch recall, please visit the FDA website.