The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety alert telling shoppers that "homeopathic teething tablets and gels may pose a risk to infants and children." The agency advised parents and guardians of children to trash any such products that had in their position, including items distributed by CVS, Hyland’s and possibly others.

According to FDA, children using these products can experience side effects like "seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation." The agency also said a full investigation into these products is underway.

In response, CVS has issued avoluntary recallof homeopathic infant teething products from Hyland's, Orajel and its own store brand.

Meanwhile, Hyland's issued astatement saying, "...we are confident that Hyland’s Baby Teething Tablets remain safe." The firm noted that its facilities are GMP compliant.

This isn't the first time FDA voiced its concerns about homeopathic teething tablets and gels. The agency previously issued asafety alertin 2010 with a similar warning. At that time, FDA was concerned that products containing belladonna could pose a risk to children if it was consumed in large doses.

Hyland's recent response, however, reminded consumers that belladonna is only present in trace amounts in its teething tablets. "A child would have to eat multiple bottles at once to experience the first side effect of belladonna, which is typically dry mouth," the firm stated.
Published on WholeFoods Magazine Online, 10/3/16