THE IRISH Medicines Board (IMB) has advised that children’s herbal products containing the plant echinacea will no longer be recommended, due to a lack of scientific data to support their use.
The advice follows a review by the board of data on the safety and effectiveness of echinacea. It is now advising that such products not be used for children under 12 years.
The board is in contact with retailers to inform them of the new recommendation and to request that echinacea-containing products for children be removed from sale.
Adult echinacea herbal products are not affected by this recommendation.
However, the labels on some products for adults include information on recommended dosages for children.
The implementation of the European Herbal Medicines Directive in Ireland in 2011 prompted a review of previously unregulated herbal products on the Irish market.
The available safety data as well as guidance from the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products of the European Medicines Agency were evaluated.
The IMB concluded that the use of echinacea can be associated with rare side effects, mainly allergic reactions, which in some cases may be severe.
Ann O’Connor of the board said: “Our view is that there are potential risks associated with the use of echinacea-containing products in children under 12 years of age and there is limited evidence of benefit in this age group. We are recommending that they should no longer be used.
“It is important to carefully check the ingredient list on a herbal product and if it contains echinacea, it should not be given to children. This is not a serious safety issue, and the measures being taken are precautionary in nature. Parents should have no concerns if they have given echinacea to children under 12 in the past.”
The advice for consumers is:
Do not give herbal medicines containing echinacea to children under 12 years.
Do not give adult echinacea herbal medicines to children under 12 years.
Consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions.