Triaminic Patch Recalled over Child Safety Concerns

By Elizabeth Rhein

Published on June 27, 2006

The FDA has issued a warning that consumers should not use the Triaminic Vapor Patch due to the possibility that the patch and its medication could be ingested by small children during use.

The patch is designed to be placed on the throat or chest of a person suffering from a cough so they may breathe in the vapors for relief. The vapors are caused by the menthol, eucalyptus oil, and camphor contained in the patch. One or more patches may be used at a time.

The danger results from the possibility that a child over the age of two could remove the patch and place it in his or her mouth, resulting in ingestion of the chemicals in the patch. Both eucalyptus oil and camphor can cause nausea and vomiting, headache, and seizures if ingested accidentally.

Novartis Consumer Health has issued a voluntary recall of all Triaminic Vapor Patch products sold in the United States. They state that consumers who have purchased the product should either discard it or return it to the store where they purchased it.

If you or a loved one have used the Triaminic Vapor Patch and are concerned about this warning, contact a physician to determine the best course of action.

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