FDA orders codeine and tramadol manufacturers to limit use in kids

Fierce Pharma ------- The Food & Drug Administration began tracking reports of children suffering dangerous side effects from the pain meds codeine and tramadol in 1969, and now, nearly 50 years later, the agency is finally taking tough action against the manufacturers of those medicines. The FDA is ordering major label changes on prescription drugs containing codeine and tramadol—a requirement that will affect dozens of companies, ranging from giants like Johnson & Johnson to lesser-known names like Vertical Pharmaceuticals of Bridgewater, New Jersey. On April 20, the FDA issued a consumer alert warning parents that codeine and tramadol, which are both opioids, can cause dangerous breathing problems in children. The agency advised against the use of codeine to treat pain or coughs or tramadol to treat pain in children under 12. It also said nursing mothers should steer clear of the drugs. To learn more click on the picture below to read the article.