by Michael Woodhead

Doctors are being advised to return icepacks they may have been given by drug company reps, as the range of antifreeze-tainted hot and cold gel products increases.

Earlier this month the TGA advised the China-based UPI company to recall Thermoskin hot and cold gel packs after a toddler ended up in hospital having dialysis when he was found to have ingested ethylene glycol from nibbling one (link).

The TGA says tests showed the product contained the highly toxic ethylene glycol – a component of antifreeze and brake fluid - rather than the non-toxic ingredient propylene glycol.

After testing several more brands of ice pack the TGA is now recalling several other products, including some drug company promotional items marked with Atacand and Crestor brands. Other icepacks being recalled include batches of brands such as Surgipak, Medispot, OAPL, Redi and Surgical Basics

“Parents should ensure that all gel hot/cold packs are kept out of reach of children and are only used under adult supervision. In the event of accidental ingestion patients are urged to attend the nearest emergency department immediately for assessment and further management,” a statement from the TGA says (link)

The recall is the latest in a saga of China-related product contamination problems, with ethylene glycol previously being found in Chinese-made toothpaste, milk formula this week linked to two deaths due to being adulterated with the plasticizer melamine and heparin products recalled after being found to contain a contaminant that causes anaphylaxis.