Important To Almost Everyone Please Read...

[SuperCoupeSC91]

i just recieved this e-mail from a friend in Texas, just thought i'd share it with you guys.. i doubt this is a gimick, i went to the webpage for the one listed below. its missing a period after the www in it.. Alex LAChance

Phenylpropanolamine Drug Recall
>
>
> All drugs containing Phenylpropanolamine are
>being recalled. You may want to try calling the 800
>number listed on most drug boxes.
>
> Please read this CAREFULLY, as I know that
>some of you
> may USE some of these drugs (Alka Seltzer Plus
>for one).
>
> 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 Appetite 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 Co ld & 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 Chewa ble 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
> & nbsp; Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough
>
> I just found out and called the 800# on the
>container for Triaminic and they informed me that
>they are voluntarily recalling the following
>medicines because of a certain ingredient that is
>causing strokes and seizures in children:
>
> Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
> 3D Cold & Cough Berry
> 3D Cough Relief
> Yellow 3D Expectorant
>
> They are asking you to call them at
>800-548-3708 with the lot number on the box so they
>can send 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. DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so
>people are informed. They can then pass it along to
>their families.
>
> To confirm these findings please take time to
>check the following URL:
>
>
>http://wwwfda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/default.htm
>
>
>
>http://wwwfda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/default.htm>

[Birdman93]

Note the date-November, 2000.

This is NOT something new-it took place over 3 years ago-the products that contained this ingredient have for the most part been pulled and the manufacturers have switched to a different ingredient.

"Questions and Answers
Safety of Phenylpropanolamine

November 6, 2000

1. What action is the FDA announcing today?

The FDA has asked firms that market pharmaceutical or drug products containing phenylpropanolamine (fen-el-pro-pa-nol-a-mine) to voluntarily discontinue marketing them. We are also alerting consumers to the risks associated with the use of products containing phenylpropanolamine.

2. What is phenylpropanolamine?

Phenylpropanolamine is an ingredient used in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drug products as a nasal decongestant to relieve stuffy nose or sinus congestion and in OTC weight control drug products to control appetite.

3. Why is phenylpropanolamine unsafe when this product has been in use for many years?

On May 11, 2000, FDA received results of a study conducted by scientists at Yale University School of Medicine that showed an increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding of the brain) in people who were taking phenylpropanolamine. Phenylpropanolamine has been used for many years and a very small number of people taking the drug have had strokes. The Yale study helped show that the number of people having strokes when taking phenylpropanolamine was greater than the number of people having strokes who were not taking phenylpropanolamine. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is very low, FDA has significant concerns because of the seriousness of a stroke and the inability to predict who is at risk. Because of continued reports to the FDA of hemorrhagic stroke associated with phenylpropanolamine and the results of the Yale study, we now feel that the risks of using phenylpropanolamine outweigh the benefits and recommend that consumers no longer use products containing phenylpropanolamine.

4. Are there any population groups at higher risk when using products containing phenylpropanolamine?

The Yale University study showed that the risk of hemorrhagic stroke was found mostly in women; however, men may also be at risk.

5. What types of products contain phenylpropanolamine?

Phenylpropanolamine is found in some prescription and OTC nasal decongestants and cough/cold products and OTC products for weight control.

6. If a patient brings me, a pharmacist, a prescription containing phenylpropanolamine, should I fill it?

FDA has not said that such prescriptions should not be filled. However, you should make sure that both the prescriber and the consumer are aware that the drug contains phenylpropanolamine and have discussed the risks and benefits of taking the product as prescribed.

7. My family has been using products that contain phenylpropanolamine; is there any danger?

In the Yale study, the increased risk of hemorrhagic stroke was detected, among women using the drug for weight control and for nasal decongestion, in the 3 days after starting use of the medication. While the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is very small, for this reason we suggest you stop taking the drug immediately and use an alternative drug product.

8. Is there another medicine that I can take in place of my medicine that contains phenylpropanolamine?

Yes, there are other products on the market that do not contain phenylpropanolamine. Ask your pharmacist or health care provider what other products are available for your needs.

9. How will I know if my OTC products contain phenylpropanolamine?

OTC drug products containing this ingredient may be identified by looking for "phenylpropanolamine" in the list of active ingredients on the label. If you are still unsure, check with your pharmacist to help you determine if a product contains phenylpropanolamine.

10. How will I know if my prescription nasal decongestant or cough/cold products contains phenylpropanolamine?

If you are using a prescription nasal decongestant or cough/cold product you should talk to your pharmacist or health care provider to determine if phenylpropanolamine is present.

11. If I have questions about drug products whom can I call?

Call 1-888 INFO FDA (1-888-463-6332)

12. How can I report a side effect with phenylpropanolamine?

FDA encourages anyone aware of a serious adverse reaction, including consumers, to submit a MedWatch report.

You can report an adverse event in two ways:

Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch and click on "How to Report"
Call 1-800-FDA-1088"

The latest update:

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) Information Page

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is taking steps to remove phenylpropanolamine (PPA) from all drug products and has requested that all drug companies discontinue marketing products containing PPA. In addition, FDA has issued a public health advisory concerning phenylpropanolamine. This drug is an ingredient that was used in many over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription cough and cold medications as a decongestant and in OTC weight loss products.

In response to the request made by FDA in November 2000, many companies have voluntarily reformulated and are continuing to reformulate their products to exclude PPA while FDA proceeds with the regulatory process necessary to remove PPA from the market.

We have received numerous requests for a list of products containing PPA. Since companies continue to reformulate their products, FDA is not maintaining a comprehensive, updated list of products that still contain PPA. FDA is aware of emails circulating widely that list many products allegedly containing PPA. These emails, however, generally contain dated and inaccurate information and should be ignored.

The FDA recommends that consumers read the labels of OTC drug products to determine if the product contains PPA. The Agency believes this to be the most accurate method for determining the PPA content of OTC products rather than providing an incomplete or out-of-date list of products that may have already been reformulated and no longer contain PPA. (Introduction updated 03/07/03)

Scientists at Yale University School of Medicine recently issued a report entitled "Phenylpropanolamine & Risk of Hemorrhagic Stroke: Final Report of the Hemorrhagic Stroke Project." This study reports that taking PPA increases the risk of hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding into the brain or into tissue surrounding the brain) in women. Men may also be at risk. Although the risk of hemorrhagic stroke is very low, FDA recommends that consumers not use any products that contain PPA.

FDA’s Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee recently discussed this Yale study along with additional information on phenylpropanolamine. The Advisory Committee determined that there is an association between PPA and hemorrhagic stroke. It recommended that PPA be considered not safe for over-the-counter use.

What happens is that spammers will pick up this stuff, delete the dates and spread it as if it were new. Yes, the info from the FDA is serious-but it looks as if your friend got hit by a spammer looking to create a panic.