Benzocaine Topical Products are manufactured as both a numbing agent during surgical procedures and an over-the-counter pain reliever. Unfortunately, mounting evidence against Benzocaine suggests that the topical solution, in both spray and gel form, may be responsible for patients developing methemoglobinemia, a rare but potentially fatal blood disorder. In infants, the disorder is known as blue baby disorder and is equally as lethal.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with methemoglobinemia after using Benzocaine topical products, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
What’s the Problem With Benzocaine?
Benzocaine is a topical treatment used during medical procedures to numb the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. It is also sold over-the-counter, in both a gel and liquid form, as a pain reliever for several conditions like teething, canker sores, and irritation of the mouth and gums. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release that notified healthcare professionals and patients of the dangers associated with Benzocaine.
The use of Benzocaine, in any form, may be linked to an increased risk of developing methemoglobinemia or blue baby syndrome, rare yet severe, life-threatening blood complications. Due to the severity of blue baby syndrome and methemoglobinemia, numerous benzocaine lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturer.
Benzocaine Topical Gel Medications
The following Orajel products were listed in the FDA Benzocaine Warning for Liquid and gel over the counter medications containing benzocaine:
- Baby Orajel
- Baby Orajel PM
- Orajel Maximum Strength
- Orajel Medicated Toothache
- Orajel Mouth Sore
- Orajel PM
- Orajel Ultra Mouth Sore
- Orajel Denture Plus
Methemoglobinemia & Blue Baby Syndrome
Methemoglobinemia is a rare but serious condition in which the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced. When this disorder occurs in infants, it is known as blue baby syndrome due to the fact that the child develops a bluish tint in their skin from a lack of oxygen. In the most severe cases, blue baby syndrome and methemoglobinemia can result in death. Patients who develop it may experience the following symptoms:
- A severe lack of color in the skin
- Bluish discoloration of the skin
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Rapid heart rate
- Death
Do I have a Benzocaine Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Benzocaine lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been injured by Benzocaine, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.