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Information update

Health Canada updates Canadians on homeopathic teething products

Starting date:
October 20, 2016
Type of communication:
Information Update
Subcategory:
Children's Products, Natural health products
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Important Safety Information
Identification number:
RA-60634

Issue

OTTAWA – Health Canada is following up with Canadians concerning the recent warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding possible safety issues involving homeopathic teething products in the United States.

At this time, there is no indication of a similar safety concern in Canada. We continue to follow up with Canadian manufacturers and the FDA, and to assess all available information. Should the Department determine that there is a safety concern involving products sold in Canada, we will take action and inform Canadians as appropriate.

There are several homeopathic teething products authorized in Canada, manufactured by different companies and available in multiple formats including gels, tablets and liquids (drops). Health Canada has received eleven Canadian adverse reaction reports involving a variety of these products since their sale: three that were serious but were confirmed, following an assessment, to be unrelated to the product; seven that were not serious; and one that was an allergic reaction that was determined to be possibly linked to the product. No deaths associated with homeopathic teething products have been reported in Canada.

Parents and caregivers with questions or concerns about teething products should speak to a healthcare practitioner, and should seek immediate medical care if their child reacts unusually after using these products.

Health Canada encourages Canadians to report adverse events involving homeopathic teething products, or any health product, to Health Canada. These reports are important in helping us identify and clarify potential safety concerns.

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