So, here’s the deal. Many of us have been there, right? When our little bundles of joy start drooling, fussing, and gnawing at their gums, we instinctively reach for whatever relief we can find. For a lot of parents before September 30, 2016, that meant turning to Hyland’s Teething Tablets—after all, they were “natural,” and isn’t that always better than pharmaceuticals? We thought homeopathic meant zero risks. What could possibly go wrong?
Well, a lot, according to newly uncovered records from the Freedom of Information Act and reported by STAT News.
The FDA first raised a red flag about Hyland’s way back in 2010, when the company voluntarily recalled their teething tablets due to concerns over the product containing “a small amount of belladonna.” This plant can be extremely harmful at higher doses. Sadly, testing revealed that the belladonna levels in these tablets were inconsistent, meaning that your average homeopathic remedy could potentially pack a dangerous punch.
The first injury report linking Hyland’s to adverse effects surfaced in 2006, and since the FDA’s initial warning in 2010, the reports have kept rolling in. We’re talking about seizures, uncontrollable muscle spasms, delirium, and, in the worst cases, even death. One heart-wrenching report detailed a grandparent’s experience: “After using Hyland’s Teething Tablets on my 5-month-old grandson for the first time, he died in his sleep.”
Fast forward to late September 2016, when the FDA reiterated its warning, stating that homeopathic teething tablets could pose serious risks to infants. Parents were urged to seek immediate medical attention if their child experienced alarming symptoms like seizures, excessive sleepiness, or muscle weakness after using these products.
Hyland’s announced they would stop manufacturing these products due to the confusion created by the FDA’s warnings, yet they maintained that their products were safe. So even though they pulled them from the shelves, there was no official recall.
A staggering 370 adverse events were reported to the FDA from 2010 to 2016, including eight deaths—though the agency is still investigating whether the products caused those fatalities. It’s worth noting that homeopathic remedies don’t require proof of safety or effectiveness before hitting the market. The FDA has made it clear: “We are not aware of any proven health benefit of this product.”
To complicate matters further, despite the overwhelming evidence, the FDA lacks the authority to recall homeopathic products. Hyland’s continues to assert confidence in their product safety, stating on their website, “We have not been presented with any data that contradicts the data we have.”
So, what’s a parent to do? If you’re curious about alternative methods for family planning, you can check out this insightful blog post that dives deeper into home insemination kits. Also, for those seeking more authority on the topic, Make A Mom offers excellent resources for at-home insemination kits. And if pregnancy is on your mind, Healthline provides fantastic information on IVF and other options as well.
In summary, while Hyland’s Teething Tablets may have been a go-to for many parents, the FDA’s warnings highlight serious safety concerns that cannot be ignored. Always prioritize your child’s health and consult with a healthcare professional for the best advice.