A Warning about OTC Meds---Check The List

I receive an email about some OTCs (over the counter medications) that are being recalled because of the damage to those that are consuming them. You, your loved ones, or someone you know may use these to find relief to symptoms of an illness. The email states that the results of some studies are show that the ingredient is causing damage to an area of the body that maybe irreversible. As with every rumor there maybe some truth in this so proceed with caution. This site shows that there is a danger in meds with this ingredient: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/601_flu.html

There is a link at the bottom of the page that has some supporting information.

Please Read very carefully important information that you need to know.

All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled.You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know. STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative Medicine. The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:

Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Med Efferv
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Efferv
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent Alka
Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder BC Sinus Cold Powder
Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
Contac 12 Hour Caplets
Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
Dexatrim Caffeine Free Dexatrim Extended Duration
Dexatrim Gelcaps Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir Dimetapp Elixir
Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops Permathene Mega-16
Robitussin CF
Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion
Triaminic DM Cough Relief
Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough

The email also stated that they had called the 800# on the container for Triaminic and they informed him that they are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:

Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
3D Cold & Cough Berry
3D Cough Relief Ye llow
3D Expectorant
Check the label for the ingredients because the list may not be all inclusive.

The email stated that they are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund.

I call the 800 number and spoke with a young lady named Sarah which denies that any of this is true and says they aren't doing any recalls of their meds. This links shows there is a concern and that a warning was issued for meds containing this ingredient: http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2001/601_flu.html

If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF! DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed. They can then pass it along to their families. To confirm these findings please take time to check the following: http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/

PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN IN CASE THEY GIVE IT TO THEIR CHILDREN OR TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN.

My advise is to stop using these meds that contain this ingredient, dispose of them and stop purchasing them. Many times the FDA feels it has done it's part by just making a statement and having companies place a warning on the label. Their policy seems to be that it is your responsibility to read the labels, inform yourself and then take action. Please do what is best for you and your loved ones. Maybe look into holistic/natural alternatives.