ABC Dophilus is a powdered probiotic supplement that was recalled after a premature infant died from a fungal infection known as mucormycosis.
What You Can Do & How an ABC Dophilus Lawsuit Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting ABC Dophilus induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or your child was diagnosed with a fungal infection or mucormycosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dietary Supplement Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Overview
Solgar, Inc. manufactures ABC Dophilus, a powdered dietary supplement that contains three species of live bacteria. It is marketed as a probiotic for children and infants.
What is the problem?
Although ABC Dophilus is promoted as a “blend of beneficial friendly bacteria,” it was recalled after an infant died from an intestinal fungal infection known as mucormycosis.
Tests on unopened bottles found Rhizopus oryzae, a fungus that is known to cause mucormycosis. It is commonly found in the environment in dead organic material.
After the recall, Solgar stopped distributing the product until the source of the contamination could be discovered.
ABC Dophilus Linked to Premature Infant’s Death
In October 2014, Solgar received a report of a very premature infant (under 32 weeks gestation) who died from mucormycosis after being given ABC Dophilus as part of the routine in-hospital course of treatment.
Two months later, the FDA issued a Safety Communication asking doctors to think twice before giving probiotics to sick patients.
The FDA warned:
“These products are not subject to FDA’s premarket review or approval requirements for safety and effectiveness, nor to the agency’s rigorous manufacturing and testing standards for drugs, including testing for extraneous organisms.”
ABC Dophilus and Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Premature infants are at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a disease that occurs when the lining of the intestinal wall dies. Several peer-reviewed studies have suggested that probiotics might help prevent this disease, but the FDA cautions that these studies lack adequate documentation about safety risks.
What is Mucormycosis?
Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that is caused by a common fungus that is found in soil and rotting plant material. The infection can occur in many areas of the body, including the brain, lungs, sinuses, and intestines.
People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get mucormycosis, although it can also occur in healthy adults. Risk-factors include uncontrolled diabetes, cancer, organ transplants, neutropenia (low white blood cells), and skin trauma (cuts, scrapes, punctures, or burns).
Intestinal Mucormycosis Symptoms
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the stools
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting blood
Do I have an ABC Dophilus Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting ABC Dophilus induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or your child was diagnosed with a fungal infection or mucormycosis, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Dietary Supplement Litigation Group or call us toll-free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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