UK aspirin warning

Label statement warning parents not to give aspirin to children under 12 without the advice of a doctor should be extended to children under 16 to further reduce risk of Reye's Syndrome, Medicines Control Agency proposes in Oct. 22 1consultation letter. Committee on Safety of Medicines advised MCA that while Reye's Syndrome in children up to 11 years old "has almost disappeared...cases have continued to occur in children over 12." Current warning stating "avoid up to and including 15 years of age if feverish" is "too complex," should be simplified to "do not give to children aged under 16," letter states. Comments will be accepted until Dec. 31; new warnings could take effect by March 2003...