AboutCassandra Expertise I am an expert in urban legends, faxlore, and related chain e-mails.
Check with me before "FORWARDING THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW!" to see if
it has any validity.
Experience I have been reading about and studying Urban Legends and folklore as a hobby for many years now.
Expert: Cassandra Date: 6/6/2001 Subject: Recall of Phenylpropanolamine
Question Hi --
I was sent this email and asked to forward it to everyone I know. It sounds serious. Can't find anything on the web to prove that it is not. Tried the 800 # it is a consumer affairs number.
Would appreciate any light you can shed on this info.
Thanks
KC
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 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 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
>
> I just found out and called the 800# 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.
>
> Serious stuff. Do pass along to all on your mailing list so people are
> aware.
Answer KC,
Yes, the FDA has put out a recommendation that everyone stop using PPA (I can't spell it). However they have NOT yet called for a recall, although they have recommended that manufacturers institute a voluntary recall.
Unfortunately, most of the sites I found that I normally would have trusted for good information seem to have blindly posted the e-mail they were forwarded (the EXACT one you sent me) rather than doing any research. So. I trust: The FDA site. You can link there from the snopes page listed above.
