SimplyThick, a product that is mixed in with liquids to help people with difficulty swallowing, is sometimes added to breast milk or infant formula and given to premature babies or babies that have trouble keeping liquids down. But since May of 2011, 22 infants have been reported to develop a condition called necrotizing entercolitis. NEC results in the tissue of the intestines becoming inflamed and dying. Fourteen of the infants required surgery, and seven of those infants died.
Symptoms of NEC include:
- bloated stomach
- greenish-tinged vomiting
- bloody stools
While the FDA has not issued a recall, it is warning parents and physicians against giving this product to infants.
In addition to this problem, the manufacturers of SimplyThick did issue a voluntary recall of products manufactured at a particular plant because they might include harmful bacteria.
For more information go to: http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm256250.htm
If you or you child have taken SimplyThick and have experienced side effects as a result, call an attorney at Kirkendall Dwyer to discuss your options.