Triaminic Vapor Patch Overview - FindLaw
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors| Last reviewed January 28, 2013
What is the Triaminic Vapor Patch?
The Triaminic Vapor Patch is a cough suppressant for children two years of age and older, and is manufactured by Novartis Consumer Health. The Triaminic Vapor Patch is available in two scents: mentholated cherry and menthol. The patch contains camphor, eucalyptus oil and menthol. According to the directions on the label, the Triaminic Vapor Patch is to be applied to the throat or chest, in order to allow the vapors to reach the nose and mouth.
FDA Public Health Advisory: Triaminic Vapor Patch Recall
On June 19, 2006, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a Public Health Advisory announcing Novartis Consumer Health's decision to voluntarily recall the Triaminic Vapor Patch. The patch may cause serious harm if children accidentally ingest it.
Because of the way the Triaminic Vapor Patch is applied to the throat or chest, it is within a child's close reach. A child can easily remove the patch and put it in his or her mouth. Also, the cherry scent might entice a child to chew or swallow the patch. Swallowing products containing camphor or eucalyptus oils can cause symptoms such as a burning sensation in the mouth, headache, nausea, and vomiting, as well as more severe and life-threatening events, such as seizures.
The FDA is aware of one harmful event reported in Canada associated with the use of the Triaminic Vapor Patch. A two year old child was reported to have a seizure after chewing on the patch.
The FDA and Novartis Consumer Health advise that unused Triaminic Vapor Patches be returned to the place where they were purchased, or discarded in the trash. Click here for more information about this recall from the FDA.
Triaminic Vapor Patch - Getting Legal Help
While all medications have certain anticipated side effects, a drug manufacturer has a duty to make its products as reasonably safe as possible, and to inform the medical community and the public of known risks associated with its drugs. If a manufacturer fails to do so, it can be held legally responsible if patients are injured as the result of inadequate warnings or the unreasonably dangerous nature of the drug, under a legal theory called "product liability."
If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions while using the Triaminic Vapor Patch, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Triaminic Vapor Patch Use use.
Go here to learn more about an attorney's role in a pharmaceutical liability case.
To find an experienced attorney, use the "Find a Lawyer" tool on this page, or click here.