Flu Shot Makers Run Out Of Vaccine
Demand For Vaccine Surges With Flu Fears
Posted: 1:03 p.m. EST December 5, 2003
Updated: 5:25 p.m. EST December 12, 2003
Our partner station, KMGH in Denver, originally reported that studies have shown that giving Pepto-Bismol to children with the flu or chicken pox can sometimes lead to Reye's Syndrome, which wreaks havoc on a young person's immune system. Dr. Larry Wolk, a pediatrician for Rocky Mountain Youth, said aspirin is the catalyst (see the full story at the bottom of this page).
KMGH-TV has since been contacted by Proctor and Gamble, which refutes the original story with the following statement:
The following is a statement from Proctor Gamble received by the KMGH-TV on Dec. 12, 2003.
Pepto-Bismol does not cause Reye's Syndrome. There have been no medically confirmed cases of Reye's syndrome resulting from treatment with Pepto-Bismol. Pepto-Bismol is a safe and effective product that has been used by consumers in the U.S. for the treatment of upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea for over one hundred years.
In support of the Reye's Foundation, P and G has voluntarily included a label warning on Pepto Bismol about the symptoms of Reye's syndrome since 1985. This communication encourages consumers and parents to consult a doctor for children and teenagers who have or are recovering from the flu or chicken pox, if nausea or vomiting occurs. These symptoms can be an early sign of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness. Self treatment with any product when Reye's syndrome is suspected should not delay appropriate medical treatment. Those suffering from Reye's syndrome should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
There is no aspirin in Pepto Bismol. The active ingredient in Pepto Bismol is bismuth subsalicylate, a non-aspirin salicylate. Salicylates are commonly used as flavoring agents (wintergreen) in food. The United States Food and Drug Administration's Final Monograph on over-the-counter medications states that there is no definitive evidence that associates use of non-aspirin salicylates with an increased risk of Reye's syndrome. Historically, aspirin has been incriminated as a causative agent in the development of Reye's syndrome. Recently published expert reviews of this medical condition have also questioned this cause-effect relationship.
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Flu Shot Makers Run Out Of Vaccine
The two makers of flu shots in the United States say they have run out of the vaccine.
Aventis Pasteur and Chiron said they will not be able to meet a surge in demand resulting from fears of a particularly bad flu season.
Together, the two companies make about 80 million doses of the injected vaccine. Normally, that would be enough. But an Aventis spokesman said there's been an "unprecedented" surge of orders late in the season.
The companies could make more vaccine, but that would take four months. By then, the flu season would be over.
Still, they said people may still be able to get shots. They said suppliers probably haven't distributed all of the vaccine they have.
But a spokesman for one company says people who want to get a flu shot "should not wait any longer." Health officials are echoing the idea that it's not too late to get a flu shot.
Even though this year's predominant flu strain is not part of the vaccination, Dr. Marc Siegel at the New York University Medical Center said there is still some cross-protection. At the very least, if you do get the flu, the vaccine could make your symptoms less severe, doctors say.
Siegel said the very young, very old, those with compromised immune systems and health care workers are those who are most encouraged to be vaccinated against the type A flu. Most people 6 months and older are eligible to receive the vaccine.
Type A influenza is what peaked in South America during the winter season there, and Siegel said it has already been especially deadly in the United States, even at this early date.
Ten states now have the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's most severe flu ranking this season. The flu is now being blamed for the deaths of at least 11 children: six in Colorado, three in Texas, one in Oklahoma and one in New Mexico.
"Influenza is a very manageable condition and [there is] no reason to have thousands and thousands and thousands and thousands of cases because something very simple and effective and cheap can be done about it," said Dr. David Buhner, of the Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services.
Flu researchers said that, in a typical year, 36,000 Americans die from the virus, but this year they expect a higher death toll. Federal officials said children are particularly susceptible because their bodies have not previously been exposed to the virus.
Medical professionals are urging people with flulike symptoms to stay home to avoid infecting co-workers or classmates.
Dr. Assefa Tulu, chief epidemiologist at the Dallas County health department, said other precautions include covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and washing hands frequently and thoroughly.
Pepto-Bismol Dangerous For Kids With Flu
Did you know that using a common household remedy to help treat the flu could be fatal? If your child has flu symptoms, including an upset stomach, and you go to the cabinet and get Pepto-Bismol to relieve their pain, it could be a fatal mistake, doctors said.
Studies have shown that giving Pepto-Bismol to children with the flu or chickenpox can sometimes lead to Reye's syndrome, which wreaks havoc on a young person's immune system.
Dr. Larry Wolk, a pediatrician for Rocky Mountain Youth, a Denver clinic, said aspirin is the catalyst.
"Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin, and the flu being viral, that combination with children can be potentially fatal," Wolk said.
"I'm surprised. I knew that it happened with aspirin, but I had no idea it happened with Pepto-Bismol," said mother Kim Anderson.
Fatal cases are rare, but it's enough of a concern that bottles of Pepto-Bismol contain a specific warning about the dangers for children suffering from the flu.
"My warning to parents is to read labels. Any over-the-counter medication can be unsafe and it can be potentially fatal," Wolk said.
Anderson said she now knows better.
"I think it's wise for the doctors to be warning people and getting the warning out, and I thank you for doing the same," Anderson said.
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Copyright 2003 by KMBC.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.