Friday, August 1, 2008

Safety in Children's Pain Relief Products a Primary Concern

Safety in Children's Pain Relief Products a Primary Concern

Massive recalls of over-the-counter (OTC) pediatric oral pain medications and new FDA reports of the shocking conditions in manufacturing plants have pediatricians and parents concerned for children's safety.

Rhinebeck, NY (Vocus) July 8, 2010

Since the first of the year there have been numerous recalls of infants’ and children’s over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products, for reasons ranging from contamination to harmful effects. And in May, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported a voluntary recall of certain children’s OTC liquid medicines, including specific lots of infants’ and children’s Tylenol, Motrin, Zyrtec, and Benadryl products. 

Currently, many household brand-name OTC products marketed for children are under federal scrutiny for doing more harm than good. For example, products containing the active ingredients acetaminophen and ibuprofen have been recently recalled and are suspected of causing toxicity in the body and damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys and liver. Such medications are harmful to adults, let alone a child’s delicate system.

“This is an alarming fact,” says Lou Paradise, president and chief of research at Topical BioMedics, Rhinebeck, NY, formulator of the privately held company’s line of natural topical pain relief and healing products. “Children are ‘little people,’ not ‘little adults,’ he says. “Consequently ‘mini versions’ of products made for adults are not appropriate for children as these formulas may be hazardous to their health.”

OTC topical analgesic products may also contain hidden dangers, such as parabens and other preservatives, volatile oils, and other irritating chemicals that have never been tested. “Commercial topical pain relief ointments containing such harsh ingredients as Menthol, Camphor, and Capsaicin may harm a child’s delicate system and do irreparable damage,” says Paradise. “In 2007, a 17-year-old star athlete from Staten Island, NY died from Methyl Salicylate poisoning, an ingredient commonly found in OTC topical analgesic products. Clearly we must safeguard our children’s welfare when administering any pharmaceutical.”

In May of 2009, Topical BioMedics introduced Topricin Junior for children to address the safety issues and concerns of parents and doctors in the pediatric pain relief category. Recommended by pediatricians, Topricin Junior has no odor and is specially formulated without irritating and potentially harmful chemicals. Instead, the homeopathic formula provides a synergistic blend of natural medicines that properly address children’s unique pain relief needs while stimulating the body’s natural desire to heal the damage that is causing the pain. Five percent of the sales of Topricin Junior are donated to foundations for pediatric cancer care. (Please view the 3:30 minute video for more details).

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Rhinebeck, NY, Topical BioMedics, Inc., is the research and development leader in topical regulated natural medicines for pain relief. The company’s flagship product, Topricin Pain Relief and Healing Cream, was introduced in 1994 and is now a leading natural therapeutic brand. All Topricin products are FDA-regulated over-the-counter medicines. Doctors and pharmacists can find more information about Topricin in the 2010 edition of the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR). In spring 2009 the company also introduced Topricin® Foot Therapy cream for treating painful conditions specific to feet and ankles.

All Topricin homeopathic medicines work naturally, without any known side effects, drug interactions, or contraindications. Products are available in pharmacies, natural food stores, and other retailers nationwide, as well as directly from Topical BioMedics. For additional information, visit www. topricinkids. com.

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