The Environmental Health News reported that high doses of phthalates were found in some prescription drugs that have a time-release coating. It was also found in over-the-counter medications like Prilosec. Only a few medications were tested, but many, many medications have a time-release coating.
Phthalates have been found to decrease the penis size and sperm count of male babies who were exposed to them in utero. It?s thought exposure leads to abnormal reproductive tracks and reduced testosterone.
I was angry when I read this article the other day. I had to let it simmer before I wrote this post. This really upsets me because I have been taking a prescription prenatal during my whole pregnancy and an OTC medicine for heartburn, and I have watched very closely to the products I use to make sure they didn?t contain phthalates. Of course I do not know for a fact that they do, but its looking like they do.
In August, Congress passed a law that would ban the substance in children?s products, including toys. However, the law will not take effect until Feb 2009 and does not include any product designed for the over 12 years of age demographic. So for the rest of us, it?s good old research, calling, etc. to learn how to protect ourselves from phthalates. And unfortunately, they continue to turn up in the most unsuspecting places ? like prescription drugs.
Phthalates are plasticizers commonly found in vinyl, but are also common in personal care products (shampoo, etc.) that contain fragrance, paints, adhesives, fragrances and nail polish.
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Original source: http://amomsblog.wordpress.com/2008/11/17/prescription-drugs-contain-phthalates/
