Health Canada says it is taking a closer look at the safety of benzocaine products, in light of reports of odd and sometimes dangerous reactions to the pain reliever.
It's also reminding caregivers about risks associated with use of topical benzocaine products, including a rare but potentially serious blood condition known as methomoglobinemia.
Benzocaine is found in some common over-the-counter anti-itch creams, sprays to relieve pain from sore throats, creams to relieve the pain of burns, insect bites, and hemorrhoids, as well as in mouth gels for teething and toothache pain as well as canker sores and irritation of the mouth.
They are also used during surgical and dental procedures to numb the mouth and throat.
The agency says it first warned about the small but serious risk of methemoglobinemia, or MetHb, in November 2006. MetHb is a condition in which red blood cells suddenly lose the ability to deliver oxygen throughout the body. In the most severe cases, methemoglobinemia can result in death.
Health Canada says it has since received seven reports of serious adverse reactions linked to topical benzocaine -- including four reports of MetHb.
It warned caregivers and users of benzocaine products to watch for the signs and symptoms of MetHb, which can include pale, grey- or blue-coloured skin, lips, or nail beds; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; headache; lightheadedness; nausea; and change in heart rate.
"These symptoms can appear within minutes or one to two hours after benzocaine use, and can occur after the first or several uses. In rare severe cases, MetHb can progress to stupor, coma and possibly death," the agency said in a statement Tuesday.
Other reported side effects associated with topical benzocaine products include breathing or swallowing difficulties, a swollen tongue or mouth, irregular heartbeat, malaise, body twitching, hypersensitivity, burning, redness, itching, rash and irritation at the site of administration.
These side effects can occur to anyone who is sensitive to benzocaine, and can occur regardless of the type of product used or the strength of the benzocaine concentration.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is advised to seek medical attention, Health Canada said.
To report suspected adverse reaction to these or other health products, please contact Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program toll-free at 1-866-234-2345, or complete a Canada Vigilance Reporting Form
The Food and Drug Administration issued a similar warning earlier this month when it noted that it continues to receive reports of MetHb.
2011年4月24日星期日
2011年4月14日星期四
Honey and the Next Generation of Skincare: Cosmeceuticals Company Builds Honey-Based Skincare Line
The ages-old effort by human beings to prolong and enhance their own lives has taken a major step forward with one company’s radically new approach to skincare. After years of researching the many therapeutic uses of honey, Greg Martin, founder of Rene Derme Skin Creams, has turned this natural product into a line of skincare products that he maintains can help people protect their health. Rene Derme Skin Creams is a member of TNNWC Group, LLC.
“I believe our customers can do without certain surgeries or at least recover more quickly than with other remedies with these skin creams,” Martin asserts. He cites his own experience in 1990 when his granddaughter burned the bottom of her foot on a hot charcoal. Her great grandmother recommended honey, which he applied to his granddaughter’s foot at bedtime. “Her foot looked almost normal the next morning,” Martin says. He also cites his own experience with hemorrhoids. “I recalled that one of the benefits of honey was its anti-inflammatory properties,” Martin says. He applied commercial honey on the infected area. “Within three days, all pain, inflammations and infections disappeared.”
Martin then began intensive study into the properties of honey and developed his own line of commercial skin creams. “The secret is the honey,” Martin says, “And its antimicrobial properties.” He notes bacteria cannot grow or reproduce in honey, a characteristic that makes this therapeutic agent especially effective in promoting healing from injuries and in treating infections and inflammations.
“We are very excited that Greg has chosen TNNWC to help him grow his business,” Douglas Castle, chairman and CEO, says. “Greg personifies the type of entrepreneur we want to help: A visionary who has an idea or a product that can benefit a great number of people but who needs some ‘marketing magic’ to help them succeed.” TNNWC will help Rene Derme Skin Creams with a strategic barrage of marketing tactics, including social media.
“I know my skin creams can help many, many people who are suffering from all types of injuries, but they also can help promote skin development and health,” Martin says.
“I believe our customers can do without certain surgeries or at least recover more quickly than with other remedies with these skin creams,” Martin asserts. He cites his own experience in 1990 when his granddaughter burned the bottom of her foot on a hot charcoal. Her great grandmother recommended honey, which he applied to his granddaughter’s foot at bedtime. “Her foot looked almost normal the next morning,” Martin says. He also cites his own experience with hemorrhoids. “I recalled that one of the benefits of honey was its anti-inflammatory properties,” Martin says. He applied commercial honey on the infected area. “Within three days, all pain, inflammations and infections disappeared.”
Martin then began intensive study into the properties of honey and developed his own line of commercial skin creams. “The secret is the honey,” Martin says, “And its antimicrobial properties.” He notes bacteria cannot grow or reproduce in honey, a characteristic that makes this therapeutic agent especially effective in promoting healing from injuries and in treating infections and inflammations.
“We are very excited that Greg has chosen TNNWC to help him grow his business,” Douglas Castle, chairman and CEO, says. “Greg personifies the type of entrepreneur we want to help: A visionary who has an idea or a product that can benefit a great number of people but who needs some ‘marketing magic’ to help them succeed.” TNNWC will help Rene Derme Skin Creams with a strategic barrage of marketing tactics, including social media.
“I know my skin creams can help many, many people who are suffering from all types of injuries, but they also can help promote skin development and health,” Martin says.
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