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Homeopathic teething remedies cause SEIZURES in babies, FDA warns
FDA has urged parents to avoid using natural products to soothe teething
Officials say data reveals correlation between remedies and seizures
CVS has withdrawn 8 homeopathic teething products after the warning
Homeopathic teething treatments could trigger seizures in children, public health officials warn.
Fresh data suggests a correlation between the herbal remedies and life-threatening reactions, according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
The findings prompted the FDA to issue an official warning on Monday urging parents to avoid the herbal remedies.
CVS has since withdrawn the products from shelves nationwide, including Baby Orajel Naturals products, two CVS own-brand teething products and five Hyland's products.
'Teething can be managed without prescription or over-the-counter remedies,' said Dr Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
'We recommend parents and caregivers not give homeopathic teething tablets and gels to children and seek advice from their health care professional for safe alternatives.'
Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences any kind of agitation after taking homeopathic tablets, the FDA warns.
Other warning signs include seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, and difficulty urinating.
This is one of the eight products CVS has pulled from its shelves following the warning
The FDA is currently testing samples of the products and analyzing reports linking them to seizures in infants.
While many claim to have been cured by the natural substances, FDA officials insist there is no clear data to show any health benefits.
Nonetheless, the homeopathic industry is experiencing a boom - that looks set to increase.
According to the World Health Organization, the industry sees an annual growth of 20 per cent.
A spokesman for Hyland's, maker of Hyland's Baby Teething Tablets and Hyland's Baby Teething Gel, told Daily Mail Online the advisory was a surprise, and they are still not clear what grounds the agency has for its warning against homeopathy.
'We hope to learn from the FDA what facts, if any, it has based its action on,' Hyland's said.
'We remain confident that Hyland’s Baby Teething Tablets remain safe. Of course, parents who may have concerns should consult with their physicians before using any medicines, read labels carefully and follow all instructions.'
The statement goes on to explain that homeopathic remedies are tested by the FDA just like all other drugs.
It continues: 'The safety and effectiveness of Hyland’s natural homeopathic medicines is our top priority. That’s why we work with regulators to ensure that our products meet the highest standards.
'If we ever had reason to be concerned of that safety, we would act immediately.'
Source: Daily mail