WEST PALM BEACH, FL -- Kemica Richards, visiting the Palm Beach County Health Department on 45th Street with her three-month-old daughter, Nyartha, says she was concerned when she heard about the Tylenol recall on the news this morning, and "Yes, I'm still concerned," she says.
Richards has been told time and time again that when her daughter gets sick or spikes a fever, she should alternate medicines. She's always trusted Tylenol, but now, she says, she's worried. "It's supposed to be preventing, and at the same time it's effecting the kid. What is that good for?" she asks.
Richards' concern is shared by millions of parents checking their kids medicine cabinets following a massive Tylenol recall. More than 20 products made specifically for children and infants have been pulled from the shelves depending upon their manufacturing date. Tests, they say, show possible bacteria in an inactive ingredient.
That's troubling, say parents, "Because it'll make the kids sicker than they are," says Ebony Johnson, who had just gotten her son his three-week check-up.
Fanny Galeano, also visiting the health department is a mother of four. She's not as worried, she says, but keeps Tylenol at home too. "I have it, yeah," she says, "I've had it a long time. I haven't used it, but I keep it in my house."
Drug Company McNeil, which makes Tylenol, has not reported any complaints or problems.
The products affected, they say, are liquid medications, many with child friendly flavors, manufactured between April and June of 2008. Tylenol says the recall does not include its popular melt-aways medications.
After consulting with the FDA, the company says it initiated the recall voluntarily.
Click here for a full list of the medicines affected by the recall as well as a phone number for questions and info on how to obtain a free replacement.
