The MHRA has warned parents against using unlicensed homeopathic teething products due to a risk of seizures and other serious side effects.
The agency’s advice comes after the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an investigation into homeopathic teething gels and tablets manufactured in the US, which could be available to buy online in the UK.
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A number of serious side effects have been linked with the products in question, including fits, breathing problems, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, problems urinating, agitation and skin flushing.
The products being investigated are not thought to be on sale in UK outlets but might be available online.
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The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends self-care for teething infants, involving gentle rubbing of the gum and allowing the child to bite on a clean, cool object. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be administered for those aged three months and older.
Pharmacists are being urged to reassure parents that teething treatments licenced in the UK are unaffected.
The following homeopathic products are licenced by the MHRA and can continue to be used:
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| Authorisation Number |
Product Name |
Authorisation Holder Company Name |
| NR 01175/0184 |
TEETHA TEETHING GEL |
A NELSON AND COMPANY LIMITED |
| NR 01175/0387 |
NELSONS TEETHA TEETHING GRANULESBOOTS TEETHING PAIN RELIEF |
A NELSON AND COMPANY LIMITED |
| NR 08822/0250 |
CAMILIA ORAL SOLUTION |
BOIRON |
| NR 27776/0003 |
HELIOS ABC 30C PILLULES |
HELIOS HOMOEOPATHY LIMITED |
| PLR 00298/5826 |
WELEDA CHAMOMILLA 3X GRANULES |
WELEDA UK LIMITED |
By Allie Anderson
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