FDA Publicizes OTC Drug Dangers to Children
Children’s OTC cold medication was the subject of the FDA’s public warning issued yesterday, a subject that has been awaiting strong censure for many years. The FDA report states
“Over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold products should not be used to treat infants and children less than 2 years of age because serious and potentially life-threatening side effects can occur from such use.”
That serious side effects can occur from nonprescription medications given to young children has been known for years. Unfortunately, the FDA has been dragging its feet, despite reported toddler and infant deaths from drug medications readily available over-the-counter.
FDA officials are remain undecided on an issue that first gained momentum last year when it announced it would review the drug safety (whether dangerous drug side effects outweighed drug efficacy) data for children ages 2-11.
October 2006, many children’s OTC drug companies quit selling their medicines marketing specifically to infants after FDA reports showed that the drugs are ineffectivein children under age 6 and are unnecessarily dangerous.
Yesterday’s advisory is the first time the U.S. government has released a direct statement on the drug dangers posed to children with a strong recommendation that parents not give children under 2 these drugs.
If your child or loved one has suffered a dangerous drug injury, contact HHP today for a free consultation with me or another Tennessee drug injury attorney.
Author Bio
Jim Higgins, founder of the Higgins Firm, is a seasoned personal injury attorney with deep roots in Nashville, Tennessee. A 4th generation Nashvillian, Jim carries on the legal legacy of his father, a judge for over 30 years. After graduating from the University of Memphis School of Law, Jim’s career began on the other side of the courtroom, defending insurance companies and learning their tactics for minimizing settlements. However, he soon realized his true calling was fighting for the rights of the injured, and for the past several years, he has exclusively represented plaintiffs in personal injury cases.
Since then, his dedication and skill have earned him membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an organization limited to attorneys who have secured million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for their clients. Licensed to practice in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia, Jim focuses on personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation cases. His exceptional work has been recognized by his peers, earning him a spot on the Super Lawyers list from 2021 to 2024, a distinction awarded to only a select group of accomplished attorneys in each state.
