A 13-year-old in Ohio has died after “he took a bunch of Benadryl,” making an attempt a harmful TikTok problem that’s circulating on-line, in keeping with a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his household.
Jacob Stevens was taking part in a TikTok problem with some pals at residence when he ingested the antihistamine, the household donation account states. Jacob was on a ventilator for nearly per week earlier than he died, in keeping with WSYX.
CNN has not independently confirmed his reason for dying.
Overdosing on Benadryl may end up in “critical coronary heart issues, seizures, coma, and even dying,” the US Meals and Drug Administration mentioned in a 2020 warning to the general public concerning the lethal “Benadryl Problem” on TikTok.
Jacob’s grandmother is doing something she will “to ensure one other baby doesn’t undergo” with the problem, she instructed CNN affiliate WSYX.
In a press release to CNN, TikTok mentioned, “Our deepest sympathies exit to the household. At TikTok, we strictly prohibit and take away content material that promotes harmful habits with the security of our neighborhood as a precedence. We now have by no means seen such a content material development on our platform and have blocked searches for years to assist discourage copycat habits. Our staff of 40,000 security professionals works to take away violations of our Neighborhood Pointers and we encourage our neighborhood to report any content material or accounts they’re involved about.”
The maker of Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson, has referred to as the problem “harmful.”
“We perceive that customers might have heard about an internet ‘problem’ involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine,” the undated on-line assertion reads.
“The problem, which entails ingestion of extreme portions of diphenhydramine, is a harmful development and ought to be stopped instantly. BENADRYL® merchandise and different diphenhydramine merchandise ought to solely be used as directed by the label.”
“We’re working with TikTok and different social platforms to take away content material that showcases this habits,” the assertion added. “We are going to look to associate throughout business and with key stakeholders to deal with this harmful habits.”
CNN has reached out to the Stevens household and Columbus Public Well being for remark.
The FDA’s 2020 warning mentioned the company had “contacted TikTok and strongly urged them to take away the movies from their platform and to be vigilant to take away extra movies that could be posted.”
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to deal with signs equivalent to a runny nostril or sneezing from higher respiratory allergy symptoms, hay fever or the frequent chilly. It’s protected and efficient when used as beneficial, the FDA mentioned.
“Diphenhydramine is marketed beneath the brand-name Benadryl, retailer manufacturers, and generics. It’s also obtainable together with ache relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants,” the company mentioned.
Customers and fogeys ought to retailer Benadryl and different over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines out of the attain of kids, the FDA mentioned.
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