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Ulcer treatment bonjela - Source: ONE News -
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A mouth gel commonly used to soothe infants' gums contains the same ingredient which has prompted British health authorities to warn against its use for under 16-year-olds.
Bonjela manufacturer Reckitt Benckiser said the products it sold in New Zealand, including Bonjela Teething Gel, all contained salicylate salts.
Salicylate salts had the same effect on the body as aspirin, and aspirin was not recommended for those under 16.
Britain's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) last week issued a warning over treatments containing salicylate salts, saying three children had been hospitalised with suspected Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious condition, after using oral gels such as Bonjela.
Reye's had not been confirmed.
There had been no reports of Reye's syndrome in New Zealand following the use of oral salicylate gels such as Bongela, which had been used for more than 30 years, Medsafe group manager Stewart Jessamine said.
The MHRA decision was a precaution based on a theoretical risk of developing Reye's syndrome.
Medsafe would review the MHRA data before making a decision about whether any action was needed in New Zealand.
