A Children's Medication Has Been Recalled In Canada Due To The Potential Risk Of Overdose

Health Canada has published a public advisory over a children's medication sold in Canada due to the potential risk of overdose.

On January 17, the government agency advised that consumers should stop using the affected product as it contains a higher amount of acetaminophen than it describes on the label.

Pediatrix Acetaminophen Oral Solution for children.Health Canada

"Teva Canada Ltd. is recalling one lot of Pediatrix Acetaminophen Oral Solution after routine product testing found a higher than acceptable amount of acetaminophen in the affected lot (approximately 185mg/5mL rather than the approved and labelled 160mg/5mL)," says the advisory. "This could lead to children receiving too much acetaminophen."

To verify if you have the affected product, check the lot number. The affected product has a lot of MC0079 and an expiry date of August 2024.

An overdose of acetaminophen can appear as nausea, vomiting, lethargy, sweating, loss of appetite and pain in the upper part of the abdomen or stomach.

"Abdominal pain may be the first sign of liver damage and may not be apparent for 24 to 48 hours," says the government. "Liver damage may result in liver failure or, in the most severe cases, death."

If your child shows any of the symptoms, Health Canada advises you to call your local poison control centre or emergency health care services immediately and to report any health product-related side effects or complaints to the government agency.

To dispose of the product, take it to your local pharmacy.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.