McNeil running ads on product withdrawal

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. As part of its voluntary recall of several nonprescription products marketed toward infant use, McNeil Consumer Healthcare is today running an advertisement in several consumer daily newspapers.

“The cough-and-cold season is here, and we have important information to share about infants’ and children’s cough-and-cold medicines,” the ad starts, noting that while the medicines are generally recognized as safe and effective when used as directed, “we have become aware of rare instances of misuse leading to accidental overdose, especially in children under the age of 2.”

"This voluntary action by McNeil Consumer Healthcare is based on the company's long-standing commitment to the appropriate use of medications by parents and physicians," stated Ashley McEvoy, president of McNeil Consumer Healthcare early Thursday morning. "McNeil Consumer Healthcare is committed to providing parents with safe and effective over-the-counter medications that treat their child's cough-and-cold symptoms. In addition to taking this voluntary action, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, along with our industry partners, supports the Consumer Healthcare Products Association recommendations that were recently submitted to the Food and Drug Administration. These recommendations include label changes to OTC cough-and-cold medicines advising 'do not use' in children under 2 years of age. Our voluntary action in removing [these] products from the market is consistent with these recommendations."