GSK AU Recalls Panadol Baby Drops Due to Health Risk
GlaxoSmithKline started a recall of Children's Panadol Baby Drops Syringe dosing device on Nov 22, 2013.
The recall was due to possible inaccurate placement of the dosing indicator on the syringe that could lead to baby overdosing, which when left untreated may cause serious liver damage. Dosing instructions on the Children's Panadol Baby Drops syringe begin from the bottom of the syringe, near the tip.
Dr Andrew Yeates, Medical Director GSK Australia, said through a statement that the problem on the syringe poses low risk to the health of the child.
"If a child has been dosed using an incorrect syringe following the label instructions, there is a low risk to the health of the child. However if you have any concerns that your child may have received too much Children's Panadol®, or If an overdose is taken or suspected, ring the Poisons Information Centre (Australia131 126) or go to the hospital immediately even if your child feels well because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage if left untreated."
"Pharmacists and doctors have been advised of the situation and have been asked to apply clinical judgement should a patient experience a worsening of their symptoms," said Dr Andrew Yeates.
Upon initial investigations, GSK AU found that overdose due to incorrect syringe had a low safety risk. But upholding its objective of patient safety, quality and continued supply of medicines to consumers, GSK decided in the best customer interest to submit itself to a voluntary recall. This decision also came after a thorough consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
"GSK is requesting that consumers check their Children's Panadol Baby Drops product that comes with a syringe. If you are uncertain if your syringe is affected please consult your pharmacist. If the syringe is incorrect it should be returned to the pharmacy or the consumer can call the GSK Product Information line on 1800 650 123," advised GSK through an official statement.
GSK also emphasised that the Children's Panadol liquid within the bottle is safe and that no other Children's Panadol or Panadol products are posing threats to babies.
It is only the incorrect syringe that poses threat.
In a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, the incorrect syringe had its dosage information printed further up the body of the syringe, hence, leading parents to give their babies more medication from what was prescribed.
Daisy Kelly, a mother, was furious to found about the incorrect syringe that she had to rush her 18-month-old baby to a medical centre. The centre cleared her baby from any threat, saying that the baby's weight can manage the extra medication.
Still Ms Kelly was furious. She was worried for other babies who had taken extra medication due to the incorrect syringe.
''But not every baby is Charlie's weight,'' she said.