Parents warned against 'toxic' teething tablets sold in Australia
Parents are being urged to dispose of a Homeopathic teething product linked to ten baby deaths in the US.
Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration warned that in some cases Hyland’s homeopathic teething tablets contained unsafe levels of the “toxic” substance belladonna.
Belladonna, which comes from the deadly nightshade plant, can be poisonous.
The product, however, is reportedly still being sold in Australian pharmacies, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
“Fairfax Media found Hyland's teething products for sale at Drew Wood Pharmacy at the Royal Children's Hospital on Thursday,” the publication said.
Parents who have purchased the product should dispose of the tablets and seek medical advice.
The news site added that Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration investigated the teething tablets last year but found no issues.
Last year, the FDA requested the product be recalled but the company refused.
"The body's response to belladonna in children under two years of age is unpredictable and puts them at unnecessary risk," FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research director Janet Woodcock said according to the SMH.
"We recommend that parents and caregivers not give these homeopathic teething tablets to children and seek advice from their health care professional for safe alternatives."
This article first published on Practical Parenting.