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 accordance with a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his household.
Jacob Stevens was collaborating in a TikTok problem with some buddies at house when he ingested the antihistamine, the household donation account states. Jacob was on a ventilator for nearly every week earlier than he died, according to WSYX.
CNN has not independently confirmed his reason for dying.
Overdosing on Benadryl may end up in “severe coronary heart issues, seizures, coma, and even dying,” the US Meals and Drug Administration stated in a 2020 warning to the general public concerning 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 “to verify one other little one 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 security of our group as a precedence. We now have by no means seen this kind 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 Community Guidelines and we encourage our group 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 buyers could have heard about a web-based ‘problem’ involving the misuse or abuse of diphenhydramine,” the undated online statement reads.
“The problem, which entails 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 associate 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 that could be posted.”
Benadryl is an antihistamine used to deal with signs comparable to a runny nostril or sneezing from higher respiratory allergy symptoms, hay fever or the frequent chilly. It’s secure and efficient when used as really helpful, the FDA stated.
“Diphenhydramine is marketed underneath the brand-name Benadryl, retailer manufacturers, and generics. It is usually accessible together with ache relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants,” the company stated.
Customers and fogeys ought to retailer Benadryl and different over-the-counter drugs and prescription medicines out of the attain of kids, the FDA stated.