Check Your Medicine Cabinet for Recalled Children’s Tylenol Products

Twenty-one children’s and infant’s Tylenol products that were manufactured between April 2008 and June 2008 are being recalled as a safety measure to prevent potential contamination. Keep reading for more information on these potentially harmful children’s products and how you can keep your child safe.

McNeil Consumer Healthcare is a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson and manufacturer for Tylenol. McNeil Consumer Healthcare recently reported that they detected bacteria in an inactive ingredient. During consultation with the U.S. FDA, McNeil decided to “recall all products that utilized any of the raw material manufactured at the same time as the raw material tested positive for the bacteria.” These included products that were manufactured between April 2008 and June 2008.

McNeil also reported that according to scientific literature about the bacteria taking the contaminated pharmaceutical product in orally does not trigger any infection. However, they reported that using products like nasal sprays with the bacteria can lead to infection.

For a full list of the products, visit the FDA website.

Over the Counter Does Not Mean Safe

As with any drug, over the counter products can be compromised and have the potential to cause great harm.

• As with any food or drug, OTCs can be contaminated during processing. These Tylenol products are just one example of that very case.
• Labels describe some of the potential hazards, but do not cover ALL potential hazards. In addition, a high majority of people do not even read the warnings that are on the labels.
• Although available over the counter, these products are still drugs and contain potentially harmful ingredients. Because they are not administered by prescription, these items are often sold in locations where no educated advisor is available.

Suppressing Symptoms May Be More Harmful Than Beneficial

Over the counter cold and flu medications are designed to suppress the symptoms associated with the virus without addressing the underlying cause. One of the most concerning symptoms to parents is a fever. In fact, many of the Tylenol products that were recalled were designed to reduce fever.

Unfortunately, the human body exhibits these symptoms as a way to fight off these viruses. Contrary to popular belief, fever is a good thing. In fact, childhood fevers trigger life-long immunity in a child’s body far superior to any vaccination you could obtain. If relief from a high fever is necessary, a tepid bath can provide significant relief and comfort.

The Best Defense Is a Strong Immune System

The absolute best way to avoid getting sick is to beef up your immune system. When you have a strong immune system that is able to fight off threatening pathogens you will remain healthy. There are a few things you can do:

• Boost your vitamin D levels
• Maintain a healthy diet
• Optimize your Omega-3 intake
• Exercise regularly
• Obtain sufficient sleep
• Maintain a positive attitude and manage your stress levels

While nothing is fool-proof, use extreme caution before consuming any drug. This includes over the counter products. Be particularly careful when administering medications to children that are completely dependent upon your discretion. Research fully any type of drug that you intend to use. Your health, or the health of your child, is not anything that should be gambled with.