"Virus Hoaxes"
Virus Hoax Warnings: Page 5 of 81
Phenylpropanolamine Drug Warning August 2001 This warning is essentially true but is fanning the flames of a real Public Health Warning. As far as I can tell, as of this writing (8/01), none of these products has been recalled by the FDA. They have only issued a request that all companies discontinue marketing over the counter products that contain Phenylpropanolamine Hydrochloride (a decongestant ) and have issued a Public Health Warning to that effect. Instead of passing around this warning, direct your contacts to the FDA web page for the most current and correct information about this drug. The original Public Health Warning was issued in November 2000, and most drug companies have already reformulated their products (c.f. Triaminic) or have stopped marketing their products until they are reformulated (c.f. Alka-Seltzer Plus). This warning actually started making the rounds as a recap of the newspaper article on the Public Healty Warning, where it noted that women in the age range 18 to 49 show an increased risk of stroke after taking the product. That risk, though increased, is still extremely low. As the warning made the rounds of the Internet, it was modified into the current dire warning that claims there is a recall of all products containing the drug. Subject: Drug/Health Warning - Phenylpropanolamine Drug Warning All drugs containing Phenylpropanolamine are being recalled. You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this CAREFULLY, as I know that some of you may USE some of these drugs (Alka Seltzer Plus for one). Also, please pass this on to everyone you know. STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain) among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use of medication. Problems were not found in men but the FDA recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative medicine. The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine: Acutrim Diet Gum Acutrim Diet Suppressant Plus Dietary Supplements Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange) Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine Effervescent Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine Effervescent BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder BC Sinus Cold Powder Comtrex Deep Chest Cold & Congestion Relief Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules Contac 12 Hour Caplets Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus Dexatrim Caffeine Free Dexatrim Extended Duration Dexatrim Gelcaps Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir Dimetapp Elixir Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets Dimetapp 12 Hour Extentabs Tablets Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops Permathene Mega-16 Robitussin CF Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal Congestion Triaminic DM Cough Relief Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head Congestion Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough Cherry (Pink) 3D Cold & Cough Berry 3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant Tiaminic is asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they can end you postage for you to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a refund. If you know of anyone else with small children, PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF. PLEASE PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are informed.
Copyright 2004 by Jay Jennings
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