The Shadow Self
Bluelighter
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
- Messages
- 655
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Carelon BH CT is sending this alert from the Office of the Child Advocate on behalf of the Child Fatality Review Panel.
Dear Providers,
The Child Fatality Review Panel is sending this urgent warning to systems working with adolescents following the death of 3 children in the last 6 weeks from an apparent overdose of Diphenhydramine, most commonly known as Benadryl. It is commonly found in many households as a treatment for allergies and other symptoms. It has been known as a substance of misuse for over a decade, recreationally abused for delirium and hallucinosis, given its availability and cost. Ingestions have occurred from both liquid and capsule delivery.
We urge providers working with children to consider Diphenhydramine as a “lethal means,” much like you would assess and safety plan regarding access to sharps or a firearm. Talk with caregivers about removing all products containing Diphenhydramine from homes and seeking alternatives to address allergy related symptoms. If they must be used, precautions for safe storage should be utilized. Advise parents to ensure that large quantities are not available and educate them regarding the potential risk on both prescription and non-prescription medications. Please reference this drug safety communication from the FDA on Benadryl.
This is being issued as a multi-system communication. Please note that CFRP is not issuing this warning to the general public due to concerns that doing so may increase awareness of the broad accessibility of a lethal means to children in the community. Rather, we are urging you to share this message throughout your networks to inform providers. For state agencies this would include contracted providers to ensure that the professionals working with children and families with the highest risk are aware of the real and recent dangers that may exist in homes and are appropriately safety planning around those risks.
Please forward any questions or concerns as we work to prevent future loss and promote safe environments. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Thank you,
CT BHP
Administered by Carelon BH CT
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