03.31.08
Posted in dietary supplements at 12:41 am by Suthin Liptawat
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers not to purchase or use “Blue Steel” or “Hero” products, marketed nationally as dietary supplements, because these products contain undeclared ingredients, which may dangerously affect a person’s blood pressure level. They are considered unapproved drugs and have not been proven to be safe or effective. These products are promoted and sold over the Internet for the treatment of erectile dysfunction [ED] and for sexual enhancement. They contain undeclared and unapproved substances similar in chemical structure to sildenafil, the active ingredient in an FDA-approved prescription drug for ED. The undeclared ingredients in these products may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs (such as nitroglycerin), and can lower blood pressure to dangerous levels.
Presented by Suthin Liptawat, M.D.
Popularity: 60% [?]
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03.14.08
Posted in life threatening at 7:35 am by Suthin Liptawat
FDA informed healthcare professionals of life-threatening adverse events and death in patients, including children, who have received Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension (Tussionex). The reports indicate that healthcare professionals have prescribed Tussionex for patients younger than the approved age group of 6 years old and older, and more frequently than the labeled dosing interval of every 12 hours. Tussionex is contraindicated for use in patients less than 6 years of age because of their susceptibility to life-threatening and fatal respiratory depression.
Patients have administered the incorrect dose due to misinterpretation of the dosing directions, and have used inappropriate devices to measure the suspension. Overdose of Tussionex in older children, adolescents, and adults has also been associated with life-threatening and fatal respiratory depression. Prescribers should be familiar with the dosing recommendations of Tussionex before prescribing. In addition, patients and caregivers should use a properly marked measuring device to measure Tussionex to prevent overdose.
Read the complete 2008 MedWatch Safety Summary, including links to the Public Health Advisory, Information for Healthcare Professionals, and the Prescribing Information at:
http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/safety/2008/safety08.htm#Tussionex
Presented by Suthin Liptawat,M.D.
Popularity: 29% [?]
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