Life-Threatening Events Associated with Tussionex

Scott Kappes

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Today the FDA informed health care professionals of life-threatening adverse events and death in patients taking Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended Release Suspension. According to the FDA website doctors have prescribed the hydrocodone containing cough suppressant to children under the recommended age of six. Additional reports of physicians prescribing the medication at more frequent intervals than recommended have also surfaced. Tussionex must not be given to patients under six due to the elevated risk of respiratory failure in younger patients.

Patients have also incorrectly administered the drug due to misinterpretation of dosing instructions or incorrect measurements. Although Tussionex is much more dangerous for younger patients, fatal respiratory depression has been reported in adult patients.

When taken as directed Tussionex is a safe and effective treatment to control a persistent cough