Just over a week ago, the FDA urged parents not to use Hyland’s homeopathic teething products containing belladonna (commonly known as nightshade, a toxic substance). While they have previously issued warnings (2010 and Sept, 2016), based on data showing the products contained inconsistent amounts of belladonna, they have now taken the stance that the products should be thrown away. The FDA is also reviewing whether or not teething tablets were responsible for 10 children’s deaths.
CNN reports that Standard Homeopathic Co., the maker of Hyland’s, discontinued its product on October 7th and had this to say:
“We discontinued it because we are committed to our moms and our dads who choose to trust us to put medicines in their young infants’ mouths, and we didn’t want to put them in a place between the FDA warning and us saying the product was safe and having to decide who to trust,” said Mary C. Borneman, a spokeswoman for Hyland’s.
So, while the product has been discontinued, they have continued to affirm its safety on their website,
“We have seen recent reports related to issues linked to use of homeopathic teething tablets and gels. Hyland’s has not been made aware of any data that supports the claims in these reports. Our understanding is that the Food and Drug Administration’s investigation of these products is still ongoing. The fact is that we have not been made aware of any medical or statistical evidence to support a causal link between homeopathic teething tablets and adverse outcomes at this point. We continue to request any available information and statistics from the FDA.
Over the course of the last six years, Hyland’s has developed and now employs state-of-the-art safety and testing procedures to ensure all its baby products are safe for our youngest users. Data from that program continues to indicate our products are safe. We look forward to working in partnership with the FDA to continue providing safe and effective medicines to families around the world. We regret that such unsubstantiated information is being shared and creating concerns among consumers.”
Though the FDA’s data implies the product isn’t safe, according to Mary C. Borneman- a spokeswoman for Hyland’s- the results remained within the documented margin of safety.
And since at Highlands families are at the core of what they do they would have absolutely recalled the product if they thought there were safety issues.
If you remain concerned about using teething tablets containing belladonna, consider gently rubbing or massaging your kids gums with your finger, giving them a cool teething ring, or using an amber necklace.
Source: CNN
