The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has alerted consumers “to rare but serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions or severe irritation” that can result from the use of certain over-the-counter acne medications.
As the FDA explained in its June 2014 safety advisory, “The OTC topical acne products of concern are marketed under various brand names such as Proactiv, Neutrogena, MaxClarity, Oxy, Ambi, Aveeno, Clean & Clear, and as store brands. They are available as gels, lotions, face washes, solutions, cleansing pads, toners, face scrubs, and other products.”
The FDA is quite clear about how to handle certain allergic reactions.
“Consumers should stop using their topical acne product and seek emergency medical attention immediately if they experience hypersensitivity reactions such as throat tightness; difficulty breathing; feeling faint; or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue,” the agency advised. “Consumers should also stop using the product if they develop hives or itching. The hypersensitivity reactions may occur within minutes to a day or longer after product use.”
There is still some work to be done to determine the precise cause of the severe reactions.
“Based on the information reported to FDA, it cannot be determined if the serious hypersensitivity reactions were triggered by the acne products’ active ingredients, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, the inactive ingredients, or by a combination of both,” the agency wrote. “FDA is continuing to monitor and evaluate this safety issue, and will work with manufacturers regarding any future label changes that would address the risk of severe hypersensitivity reactions.”
The product liability attorneys at Reich & Binstock have handled litigation for 30 years dealing with the dangerous side effects of drugs. They have taken on large pharmaceutical corporations and have the skill and expertise that can help the victims of substances represented as safe but turned out not to be.
Although it is hard to tell whether these reactions will result in a bulge of litigation, there is no doubt that the product liability attorneys at Reich & Binstock are the sorts of advocates that victims of any bad drug should want on their side. And they offer free consultations.
The experienced product liability attorneys at Reich & Binstock may be reached toll-free or by electronic message sent through the law firm’s website.
