The Safer Way to Treat Colds/Flus
Article by Angela Haldane
From the New Zealand Herald – March 2009
Health officials today move to check availability of more than 60 cough /flu medications after UK authorities ordered warning labels for the products, which have been linked to dozens of deaths.
Britain's Telegraph newspaper yesterday reported more than 60 over-the-counter medicines would be marked with warnings that they must not be given to children under 6, and are not recommended for under 12. Many medicines have been specifically labelled as being suitable for children. The move comes after dozens of British youngsters who took the medicines died or suffered hallucinations and allergic reactions.
In NZ, the Health Ministry spokesman said drug authority Medsafe "will consider advice from the UK and work quickly to consider whether similar moves are required here in NZ".
The first step is to ascertain exactly which products are available in New Zealand.
The British warnings cover a range of ingredients: the nasal decongestants pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine; antihistamines diphenhydramine, chlorphenamine, bromopheniramine, doxylamine; cough suppressants dextromethorphan and pholcodine and expectorants such as guaifenesin.
The Telegraph said reports had shown that when cases involving people of all ages were taken into consideration, dozens had died after taking medication containing the ingredients.
Meanwhile, more than 3000 reported "adverse reactions". Diphenhydramine, which is used in Benylin Children's Coughs and Colds, was mentioned in reports of 27 deaths, while chlorphenamine, in Tixylix Cough and Cold, was mentioned in reports of 11 deaths.
The British Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said a review of 69 cough / cold remedies for children had "found no robust evidence that these medicines work" and gave warning that "they can cause side-effects, such as allergic reactions, effects on sleep or hallucinations".
* On the British warning list
6 Benylin products including Chesty Coughs and Benylin 4 Flu
5 Vicks products including Cold & Flu Care Daymed Capsules and Cold & Flu care Medinite Complete Syrup
4 Lemsip products including Max Cold & Flu and Max Sinus Capsules
3 Tixylix products: Cough and Cold, Chesty Cough and Night Cough
NATURAL ANGE says to try using a safer alternative such as the Natural Ange Herbal Cold Decongestant formula containing the safe but effective herbs.... Echinacea and Eyebright. Available on the website under the Products section.