Health Canada warns consumers not to use triaminic vapour patch due to potential health risks

News Release

OTTAWA - Health Canada is warning consumers not to use Triaminic Vapour Patch due to the serious adverse
health effects that could result if the product is accidentally ingested by children.
Triaminic Vapour Patch contains camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol. The reported side-effects from
swallowing products containing camphor or eucalyptus oils vary from minor symptoms such as burning sensation
in the mouth, headache, nausea and vomiting to more severe and life-threatening reactions such as seizures.
Health
Canada is aware of one adverse reaction associated with the use of Triaminic Vapour Patch. The adverse
reaction involved a child who had a seizure after chewing on the patch.
Triaminic Vapour Patch is advertised
as a cough suppressant for children two years of age and older. The directions on the label indicate
that the patch is to be applied to the throat or chest to allow the vapours to reach the nose and mouth.
Once applied, the patch would be within close reach for a child to remove and ingest. An additional
risk is the product's cherry scent, which could also lead a child to chew or swallow the patch.
The product
is sold over the counter as a natural health product at pharmacies and retail outlets in Canada. A
recall of the product will be initiated by the distributor. Consumers should discontinue use of this
product and return it to the point of purchase.
Consumers who have used the product and have concerns
about their health should contact their physicians or health care practitioner.
Consumers requiring
more information about this advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991,
or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
To report a suspected adverse reaction with these or any other health
product, please contact the Canadian Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Program (CADRMP) of Health Canada
by one of the following methods:
Telephone: 866-234-2345
Facsimile: 866-678-6789
Products Directorate
Health Protection Building, Tunney's Pasture, AL 0701C
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9
Email: cadrmp@hc-sc.gc.ca
-30-

Media Inquiries:
Nathalie Lalonde
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
Public Inquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

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2016-12-15

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Health Canada warns consumers not to use triaminic vapour patch due to potential health risks

News Release

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