On September 30, 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers that homeopathic teething tablets and gels may pose a risk to infants and children.1 The FDA recommended that consumers stop using these products and dispose of any in their possession.

According to the FDA, "Consumers should seek medical care immediately if their child experiences seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation after using homeopathic teething tablets or gels."

The FDA is analyzing adverse events reported to the agency regarding homeopathic teething tablets and gels since a 2010 FDA consumer safety alert on teething tablets.2  The FDA urges both health care professionals and consumers to report adverse events to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.3

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA News Release: FDA warns against the use of homeopathic teething tablets and gels.
2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA 2010 News Release: FDA Issues Consumer Safety Alert Hyland’s Teething Tablets may pose a risk to children
3. FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program

Prepared by: Center for Scientific Information, ADA Science Institute