Health Highlights: March 11, 2008

The briefing information was prepared in advance of Thursday's scheduled meeting of an FDA advisory panel that will consider the risks and benefits of the three anemia drugs. They may decide that new restrictions need to be imposed on the use of the drugs,Bloombergreported.

Aranesp and Epogen are made by Amgen Inc., while Procrit is made by Johnson & Johnson.

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FDA Issues Alert About Tussionex Cough Medicine

Due to numerous reports of serious side effects and death associated with the misuse and inappropriate use of the long-acting prescription cough medicine Tussionex Pennkinetic Extended-Release Suspension, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued an alert on the safe and correct use of the medicine.

Tussionex, which contains the narcotic hydrocodone and the antihistamine chlorpheniramine, is approved for use in adults and children over the age of 6. It should be taken no more than once every 12 hours, the FDA said.

"There is a real and serious risk for overdose if this medication is not used according to the labeling," Dr. Curtis Rosebraugh, acting director of the FDA's Office of Drug Evaluation II, said in a prepared statement.

Reports suggest that doctors and other health professionals are sometimes prescribing, and patients are sometimes taking, more than the recommended dose or taking the medication more frequently than once every 12 hours. Reports also indicate that the medicine is being given to children less than 6 years old, the FDA said.

In its alert, the FDA reminded doctors and patients about the proper use of Tussionex. The manufacturer of the cough medicine -- UCB Inc., of Smyrna, Ga. -- has agreed to update to labeling to highlight that Tussionex should not be prescribed or used in children younger than 6, as well as the need for accurate dosing.

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JCPenney Recalls Deep Fryers Due to Fire/Burn Hazard

About 27,000 Cooks Deep Fryers have been recalled by JCPenney Co. due to a faulty heating element that can overheat and pose a fire and burn hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Tuesday.