When a medication poses a risk of injury or illness because of dangerous side effects, manufacturers are required to take action. One example is cough and cold medicines marketed toward young children for many years.
In 2007, pharmaceutical companies voluntarily withdrew these products for children under the age of four. In 2008, changes were made to the label, advising against the use of these cough and cold medicines in this age group.
New research published online November 11 in Pediatrics by researchers from the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion shows that as a result of these restrictions, there have been less emergency room (ER) visits caused by side effects in young children.
Where one in 25 ER visits for children younger than two years old were caused by adverse events in these products, it has dropped to approximately one in 40. For children between the ages of two and three, it has gone from one in 10 ER visits to about one in 15.
The research also suggested that for those who do end up in ER, many are a result of accidental ingestion. In children under the age of two, 64.3 percent took the medicine without an adult’s knowledge. For two to three year olds, it was 88.8 percent.
Filing a Product Liability Claim Involving a Dangerous Drug
Drug manufacturers that fail to follow proper labeling instructions or that market unsafe medications without approval could face liability issues. Further, drug manufacturers may be liable if the medication is defectively manufactured or otherwise causes serious health problems.
Meanwhile, parents cannot possibly keep up with all of the recalls and news reports on medication safeness levels. If your child is adversely affected by a drug because of improper labeling or marketing that is not in compliance with federal regulations, talk to Gacovino, Lake & Associates. Set up your consultation by calling (800) 246-4878.
