FDA MedWatch Alerts
Printable Version   Email to a friend

Toothpaste Imported From China May Contain Diethylene Glycol

June 1, 2007
Audience: Consumers, healthcare professionals
[Posted 06/01/2007] FDA warned consumers to avoid using tubes of toothpaste labeled as "Made in China". The warning and an import alert were issued to prevent toothpaste containing a poisonous chemical, diethylene glycol (DEG) from entering the United States from China. The substance is used in antifreeze and as a solvent. Although FDA is not aware of any U.S. reports of poisonings from toothpaste containing DEG, FDA is concerned about chronic exposure to DEG and exposure to the product in certain populations, such as children and individuals with kidney or liver disease. Toothpaste containing DEG has a low but meaningful risk of toxicity and injury to these populations. Consumers should examine their toothpaste and dispose of any products listing the ingredient "diethylene glycol" also known as "diglycol" or "diglycol stearate". See the News Release for the brands of toothpaste from China that contain DEG that are included in the import alert.

[June 01, 2007 - News Release - FDA]

Latest FDA MedWatch Alerts...

FDA MedWatch Alerts Archive

2008: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug
2007: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
2006: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
2005: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
2004: Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
2003: Jan | Feb | Apr | May | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec
2002: Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Sep | Oct | Nov

More News Resources


MedNotes
Latest Drug Information Updates

Cleviprex
Cleviprex is an intravenous, ultrashort-acting calcium channel blocker under development for the treatment of severely elevated blood pressure in the hospital setting when oral therapy is not feasible or desirable.

Stavzor
Stavzor is delayed-release valproic acid formulated in the EnteriCare enteric soft gelatin capsule delivery system designed to minimize GI adverse events. Stavzor is indicated for the treatment of manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder, adjunctive therapy in multiple seizure types (including epilepsy), and prophylaxis of migraine headaches.

Navstel
Navstel is a balanced salt ophthalmic solution for use as an intraocular irrigation during surgical procedures involving perfusion of the eye.

Eovist
Eovist (gadoxetate disodium) is a gadolinium-based contrast agent for intravenous use in T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver to detect and characterize lesions in adults with known or suspected focal liver disease.

Evolence
Evolence is a collagen-based structural dermal filler for the correction of moderate to deep facial wrinkles and folds, such as nasolabial folds.

Kinrix
Kinrix [Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids and Acellular Pertussis Adsorbed and Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine] is a combination vaccine for protection against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio diseases in children.

Durezol
Durezol (difluprednate ophthalmic emulsion) is a topical steroid for the treatment of postoperative ocular inflammation and pain.

PrandiMet
PrandiMet (repaglinide and metformin HCl) is a fixed-dose combination of the fast-acting secretagogue replaglinide (also known as Prandin) and insulin sensitizer, metformin, indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Pentacel
Pentacel is a combination vaccine indicated for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis and invasive disease due to Haemophilus influenzae type b in children 6 weeks through 4 years of age.

Trivaris
Trivaris (triamcinolone acetonide) is a glucocorticoid corticosteroid delivered via intravitreal injection for the treatment of sympathetic ophthalmia, temporal arteritis, uveitis, and ocular inflammatory conditions unresponsive to topical corticosteroids.

Entereg
Entereg (alvimopan) is a peripherally-acting mu opioid receptor antagonist used to help patients regain gastrointestinal (GI) function earlier following bowel resection surgery.

OraVerse
OraVerse is a dental anesthetic reversal agent that accelerates the return to normal sensation and function following dental procedures.

Aplenzin
Aplenzin is a once-daily formulation of bupropion hydrobromide indicated for the treatment of depression in adults.

Cimzia
Cimzia is a PEGylated anti-TNF (tumor necrosis factor) biologic therapy for the treatment of moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease in adults.

Relistor
subcutaneous injection for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation

More...