Thousands of bottles of liquid Benadryl are being recalled in the United States due to a critical safety issue—absence of child-resistant packaging. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced that Arsell Inc., a Brooklyn, New York-based company, is voluntarily recalling the affected batch of allergy medication. The decision stems from the fact that the product contains diphenhydramine, a drug that must legally be packaged in child-resistant containers under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA).

According to the CPSC, “The packaging of the products is not child-resistant, posing a risk of poisoning if the contents are swallowed by young children.” This warning highlights the serious risk that even a small amount of diphenhydramine can pose to a child, potentially leading to accidental poisoning if the medicine is ingested.

What Is Benadryl and Why Is It Used?

Benadryl Syrup is commonly used to treat cough and a variety of allergy symptoms. It helps relieve conditions such as runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, congestion, and stuffy nose. In addition, the syrup works by thinning mucus in the nose, lungs, and windpipe, making it easier to cough out. The active ingredient, diphenhydramine, is an antihistamine that also induces drowsiness, making it helpful for managing nighttime allergy symptoms.

Details of the Recall

The recall specifically affects 2,300 bottles of Benadryl Liquid Elixir, each containing 100 mL of the product. These bottles are packaged in a round, dark plastic container with a pink and white label that prominently displays the word “Benadyl” in blue font. The product, manufactured in Canada, was sold in a paper box and includes a white label on the bottom of the box with the code “X003VRIGUL” printed in black text. This specific code helps customers identify whether they have purchased the affected product.

What Should Consumers Do Now?

If you’ve recently purchased a bottle of Benadryl and it matches the description of the recalled product, it's important to act immediately. While the company is offering refunds to affected customers, health experts strongly advise that consumers dispose of the product without delay. The risk of keeping the medication in a non-childproof bottle outweighs the benefits of holding onto it. Children are naturally curious, and if they gain access to the syrup, it could lead to accidental poisoning—a potentially life-threatening situation.

The recall serves as an important reminder about the significance of child-resistant packaging, especially for medications that contain potent ingredients. In households with young children, even everyday over-the-counter products can become hazardous if not stored or packaged correctly.

Consumers who are unsure about whether their product is part of the recall can contact Arsell Inc. for more information and assistance with processing refunds. Meanwhile, the CPSC continues to work with manufacturers to ensure that all drug packaging complies with federal safety standards designed to protect the most vulnerable members of society—young children.

Former Bangladesh one-day international (ODI) cricket captain Tamim Iqbal has been hospitalized after he suffered a heart attack on the field during a domestic match. The 36-year-old was leading Mohammedan Sporting Club in a match of the Dhaka Premier League (DPL) on Monday when he complained of chest pain., after which he was rushed to the hospital.

Tariqul Islam, a team official, told a leading media organisation, that Tamim was being treated at a hospital in Savar on Dhaka’s outskirts and urged people to pray for his quick recovery. Meanwhile, the doctors also released an official update wherein they said, "He returned to us in a critical condition. We can call it a heart attack, and we subsequently did an angiogram ( X-ray for blocked arteries) and angioplasty to remove the blockage. The medical procedure has gone smoothly. He is currently under observation. The swift coordination between the medical staff at BKSP and the hospital ensured Tamim was treated quickly."

Can We Predict Heart Attacks?

You can identify a heart attack if the person feels sudden pain or discomfort in the chest, shortness of breath, nausea or sweating. However, several symptoms can occur a month before a person actually suffers a heart attack. They include

1. Chest Pain: A persistent feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest is a hallmark sign that may precede a heart attack.

2. Pain in Other Parts of the Body: Heart attack symptoms aren’t always confined to the chest. Pain may radiate to the arms, jaw, neck, back, or stomach, often described as an aching or heavy sensation.

3. Shortness of Breath: Struggling to catch your breath or feeling out of breath without significant exertion can indicate reduced blood flow to the heart and lungs.

4. Unusual Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired, even after minimal effort, could be a subtle sign of heart trouble.

Why Is Angioplasty Done?

Angioplasty is a procedure that widens blocked or narrowed arteries. It restores blood flow to the heart without open heart surgery. For angioplasty, a long, thin tube (catheter) is put into a blood vessel. It is then guided to the blocked coronary artery. The catheter has a tiny balloon at its tip. Once the catheter is in place, the balloon is inflated at the narrowed area of the heart artery. This presses the plaque or blood clot against the sides of the artery. The result is more room for blood flow.

In recent times, incidences of people suffering from heart attacks while being in the middle of an activity that is physically exerting like running on treadmills, have been repeatedly reported. Iqbal already had blockages in his heart when he was on the field. There is a huge probability that this caused his heart attack.

Nearly two weeks after US Health authorities set a timeline for compounding pharmacies to end the production of duplicate weight loss drugs, things have not changed online. Popular websites like Amble, EllieMD, Willow and Mochi Health are all still advertising versions of Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound. Compounded versions of Mounjaro, a Tirzepatide, are also openly available across online platforms.

What Is Compounding?

Compounding is where pharmacies mix ingredients of a drug to create a specialised version for specific patients. Say someone is allergic to a dye in a branded medication or needs a liquid form and the main manufacturer only sells capsules. In that case, the patient can turn to a compounded version or the liquid form. Moreover, when drugs are in shortage, they can be compounded in larger quantities to help fill the gap.

Mochi Health, a leading telehealth company in the US, has no plans to stop and neither do the four pharmacies, it uses to supply patients with medications. According to CNBC, the company uses a network of about 500 providers to write prescriptions for weight-loss drugs, including compound versions. It is betting that offering personalised versions of drugs will keep the company out of the crosshairs. Speaking to a leading health news website, CEO Myra Ahmad underscored that there can be different dosing schedules for different patients. Some patients prefer to go up in dosage much more slowly while others like to mix some other medications into their compounded formulations, depending on the side effects that they’re having. Some patients have side effects with any additives and brand name formulations. Compounding really opens up the door for so much personalization.

How Does Tirzepatide Weight Loss Drugs Function?

Tirzepatides, like Zepbound and Mounjaro, are typically antidiabetic medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and for weight loss. However, unlike semaglutide like Ozempic, these drugs work on two hormone receptors. Muanjaro and Zepbound activate both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) hormone receptor agonists, leading to an increase in the production of insulin when needed. They also reduce the amount of glucose, or sugar, produced by the liver, and slow down how quickly food is digested. This all helps to lower blood sugar levels and HbA1c. Notably, the fact that Tirzepatides works on two receptors doubles its efficiency than semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy.

How Much Are Zepbound And Mounjaro Priced?

Zepbound and Mounjaro, two medications manufactured by Eli Lilly, are part of a new class of drugs designed to manage obesity and type 2 diabetes, respectively. In the US, the list price for both Zepbound and Mounjaro is approximately $1,060 for a one-month supply, depending on the dosage. While insurance coverage can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for some patients, others may face the full price if the medications are not covered under their health plans. Eli Lilly has introduced savings programs and discount cards to improve access, but affordability remains a challenge for many, especially those without comprehensive insurance.

ALSO READ: Eli Lily's Weight Loss Drug Mounjaro Now Available In India

Season's changing and spring break is almost here. It is a great time to relax and enjoy a respite from the daily grind. However, it is also the time when weather changes, so you must keep a check on your health. Whether you are travelling, flying, driving or taking a cruise for your breaks, it is essential that you take care of yourself so you can relax well and have the most fun in your spring break!

It is quite normal for anyone who wants to go on a vacation to travel through crowded environment like airports, or train and bus stations. However, these are also places where one can easily pick up viruses like norovirus and flu. So, it is important that one must pays attention to good hand hygiene.

Dr W Graham Carlos, who is a professor of clinical medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine said in a news release, "For those traveling south or to the sun, remember to pack sunscreen and stay hydrated as your skin and body have not acclimated to the warmer temperatures. Finally, use the time together to try to disconnect from media and connect with your family and friends with a specific plan to talk about mental and emotional well-being."

How You Travel Can Make A Difference And Keep You Safe

As per Dr Carlos, crowded environment increases the risk of exposure to various infectious diseases. This could ruin your trip. So, what can be done? As he suggests, hand hygiene in particular is the most important thing. While some people also choose to wear a mask. For anyone who is driving for long trips, it is important to get rest before.

Since the airports will be overcrowded, there may be delays too. It maybe a good idea to keep extra clothes in such a case. This will also allow you to maintain personal hygiene. If you are on a long flight, it is a great idea to get up once in a while and to move around every couple of hours to circulate blood in your legs. This will help you prevent any blood clots.

Check For Vaccinations

If you are going to areas where there is a beach, chances are, these tropical area may also have diseases looming over. Check for vaccinations and booster shots and get them done. It is also a good idea to check in advance to see what may be required in the country you are visiting.

Spring Cleaning

During winters, the house mostly remains shut, so spring is a good time to open your windows and let the sunshine come in. It is also a great time to clean your house from any mould that may have developed in your house during winters due to lack of sunshine and fresh air.

How To Take Care Of Your Hand Hygiene?

As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean water. However, if soap and water are not readily available, it is always a good idea to carry a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

Why Is It Important?

CDC notes that washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. Germs can spread form one person to another especially when your touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, or when your prepare or eat good, touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them, or blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people's hands or common objects.

What Are The Key Time To Wash Hands?

• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before and after eating food
• Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or a wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used a toilet
• After touching an animal, animal feed or animal waste
• After handling pets, pet foods, or pet treats
• After taking out garbage