LISA PRIEST
Globe and Mail Update
August 20, 2008 at 3:58 PM EDT
TORONTO – Almost one quarter of babies whose mothers took codeine while breastfeeding showed signs of central nervous system depression – suggesting the drug can transform mother’s milk into a troubling brew, according to a new study.
Specifically, 17 of 72 babies became sedated or experienced abnormal breathing, including one who narrowly avoided a tragic reaction, according to Hospital for Sick Children researchers in collaboration with the University of Western Ontario.
Last year, she launched a class action suit against Janssen-Ortho Inc. and Johnson & Johnson Corporation, the makers of Tylenol 3, alleging the pharmaceutical companies knew or ought to have known the serious risks to infants related to the use of Tylenol 3 by nursing mothers but failed to warn them of those risks.
The statement of claim contains allegations not yet proven in court and a statement of defence has not yet been filed.
Her lawyer, Joel Rochon said he wants the drug to have a black box warning for all nursing mothers, the strongest warning the U.S. Food and Drug Administration can provide.
