Phenylpropanolamine Product Alert

IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVISORY!
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to remove phenylpropanolamine (PPA) from all drug products and has requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing PPA.

In addition, the FDA has issued a public health advisory concerning phenylpropanolamine hydrochloride. This drug is an ingredient used in many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cough and cold medications, as well as many OTC weight-loss products.

You should STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient immediately! It has been linked to increase hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men; however, the FDA is recommending that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine.

We have listed 35 different medications known to contain Phenylpropanolamine below. To inquire about a refund on these products, you may want to try calling the 800 number listed on the drug box.

• Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant Plus Dietary Supplement
• Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Cough Medicine Effervescent
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Flu Medicine Effervescent
• Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold and Sinus Effervescent
• Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine Effervescent
• BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
• BC Sinus Cold Powder
• Comtrex Deep Chest Cold and Congestion Relief
• Comtrex Flu Therapy and Fever Relief Day and Night
• Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
• Contac 12 Hour Caplets
• Coricidin D Cold, Flu and Sinus
• Dexatrim Caffeine Free
• Dexatrim Extended Duration
• Dexatrim Gelcaps
• Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
• Dimetapp Cold and Allergy Chewable Tablets
• Dimetapp Cold and Cough Liqui-Gels
• Dimetapp DM Cold and Cough Elixir
• Dimetapp Elixir
• Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
• Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
• Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets
• Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
• Permathene Mega-16
• Robitussin CF
• Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus and Nasal Congestion
• Triaminic DM Cough Relief
• Triaminic Expectorant Chest and Head Congestion
• Triaminic Syrup Cold and Allergy
• Triaminic Triaminicol Cold and Cough

The public is being informed that the manufacturers are voluntarily recalling the following medicines because of a certain ingredients that are causing strokes and seizures in children:

• Orange 3D Cold and Allergy Cherry (Pink)
• 3D Cold and Cough Berry
• 3D Cough Relief Yellow
• 3D Expectorant

Triaminic is asking that you call them at: 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you to send it back to them. They will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS INFORMATION ON.

PUBLIC ALERT July 09, 2002