CNN
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A 13-year-old in Ohio has died after “he took a bunch of Benadryl,” attempting a dangerous TikTok challenge that’s circulating on-line, based on a CNN affiliate and a GoFundMe account from his household.
Jacob Stevens was taking part in a TikTok problem with some mates 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 explanation for loss of life.
Overdosing on Benadryl may end up in “severe 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 ensure one other baby doesn’t undergo” with the problem, she informed CNN affiliate WSYX.
In a press release 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 neighborhood as a precedence. We now have by no means seen this sort of content material pattern 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 neighborhood 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 includes ingestion of extreme portions of diphenhydramine, is a harmful pattern and ought 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 are going to look to accomplice throughout trade and with key stakeholders to handle 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 similar to a runny nostril or sneezing from higher respiratory allergic reactions, hay fever or the widespread chilly. It’s protected and efficient when used as beneficial, the FDA stated.
“Diphenhydramine is marketed underneath the brand-name Benadryl, retailer manufacturers, and generics. Additionally it is out there together with ache relievers, fever reducers, and decongestants,” the company stated.
Shoppers and fogeys ought to retailer Benadryl and different over-the-counter medicines and prescription medicines out of the attain of youngsters, the FDA stated.
