CNN
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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 response to a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his household.
Jacob Stevens was collaborating in a TikTok problem with some associates at dwelling when he ingested the antihistamine, the household donation account states. Jacob was on a ventilator for nearly every week earlier than he died, in response to WSYX.
CNN has not independently confirmed his reason for loss of life.
Overdosing on Benadryl can lead to “critical coronary heart issues, seizures, coma, and even loss of life,” the US Meals and Drug Administration stated in a 2020 warning to the general public in regards to the lethal “Benadryl Problem” on TikTok.
CNN takes over a 14-year-old’s TikTok account. 17 minutes in, that is what we noticed
Jacob’s grandmother is doing something she will be able to “to verify one other baby doesn’t undergo” with the problem, she advised CNN affiliate WSYX.
In an announcement to CNN, TikTok stated, “Our deepest sympathies exit to the household. At TikTok, we strictly prohibit and take away content material that promotes harmful habits with the protection of our neighborhood as a precedence. Now we have by no means seen the sort of content material development on our platform and have blocked searches for years to assist discourage copycat habits. Our workforce of 40,000 security professionals works to take away violations of our Group Pointers and we encourage our neighborhood to report any content material or accounts they’re involved about.”
The maker of Benadryl, Johnson & Johnson, has known as the problem “harmful.”
“We perceive that customers could have heard about a web based ‘problem’ involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine,” the undated on-line assertion reads.
“The problem, which includes ingestion of extreme portions of diphenhydramine, is a harmful development and needs 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’ll look to companion throughout trade 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 stated 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 which may be posted.”
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to deal with signs similar to a runny nostril or sneezing from higher respiratory allergy symptoms, hay fever or the widespread chilly. It’s protected and efficient when used as advisable, the FDA stated.
“Diphenhydramine is marketed beneath the brand-name Benadryl, retailer manufacturers, and generics. It’s also out there together with ache relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants,” the company stated.
Customers and oldsters ought to retailer Benadryl and different over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines out of the attain of kids, the FDA stated.
