Why are Similac and Enfamil Baby Formulas Being Recalled?

Occasionally, when babies are born prematurely, they require a little more care and nutrition in order to keep their condition stable until they can leave the hospital. When premature infants are still in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, they are sometimes given baby formulas that are based from cow’s milk as a supplement, such as Similac or Enfamil. Unfortunately, this practice has recently been shown to cause some major side effects, including a potentially fatal disease known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

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For parents of affected children, this may understandably feel like a whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and anger. Fortunately, however, help is merely a phone call away–Van Law Firm has been protecting the rights of mass tort victims for almost ten years now, and we’re ready to help you too. Call our office nearest you today to see if you qualify for a NEC baby formula lawsuit. 

What are Claimants Alleging in NEC Lawsuits? 

So far, there have been numerous studies published outlining the potential dangers of giving baby formulas made from cow’s milk to infants born prematurely. These risks include numerous intestinal and dietary conditions, up to and including NEC, which can be fatal. As a result, suits from all over the country have been filed, alleging that the makers of Similac and Enfamil baby formulas have not made adequate adjustments to either the formula itself or its labeling and packaging, given recent findings. 

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As with a bevy of nutrition-based products, the instructions and warning labels for these formulas are very vague and nondescript. What’s worse, however, is that they make no mention of the symptoms of NEC, or even the risk of contracting it in the first place. 

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Even after formula manufacturers were made aware of the risks associated with NEC, they did nothing to alter their packaging, warning labels, or formulas themselves. This deliberate indifference toward the children and families that these products were designed to help is shameful, and will not be tolerated. All NEC claimants are being encouraged to come forward at this time. 

The Dangers of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) 

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)is a very serious gastrointestinal condition that primarily affects babies, especially those who are born prematurely. On average, about 1 in every 1,000 premature infants is diagnosed with NEC, compared to about 1 in 10,000 full-term babies. 

The disease primarily impacts the child’s intestinal systems, by attacking the walls of the intestine with harmful bacteria. This then creates an infection, leading to the deterioration of the intestinal wall and the stomach overall. In some cases, this damage may ultimately cause a perforation, or a hole in the organ itself, which then leads to stool seeping into the abdominal cavity. Even with intensive treatment, NEC is still very serious and potentially fatal.

Some early signs and symptoms of NEC might include:

• Swelling or tenderness in the stomach 
• Low blood pressure 
• Constipation or diarrhea 
• Green vomit with bile 
• Slow heart rate
• Irregular breathing patterns 

Which Manufacturers and Products are Being Named in NEC Lawsuits? 

Potential claimants should note that the defendants in NEC baby formula lawsuits are not the doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals working in NICUs across the country–they were not given the proper warnings about the potential dangers of giving these formulas to your child. Rather, the companies who are responsible for developing and distributing these products are the ones implicated in recent lawsuits. 

Similac Suits and Products

Abbott Laboratories, Inc. is the main defendant for the lawsuits involving Similac brand formulas. The company has sold and marketed infant formulas for years, and Similac is by far the most popular formula that they produce, supply, and market. 

There are numerous Similac products that are produced by Abbott, and a full list would include: 

Similac

Similac Special Care

Similac Human Milk Fortifier

Similac NeoSure

Similac Alimentum

Similac Alimentum Expert Care

Similac Human Milk Fortifier Concentrated Liquid

Similac Human Milk Fortifer Hydrolyzed Protein Concentrated Liquid

Similac Human Milk Fortifier Powder

Similac Liquid Protein Fortifier

Similac Special Care 20

Similac Special Care 24

Similac Special Care 24 High Protein

Similac Special Care 30

Enfamil Suits and Products 

For lawsuits involving Enfamil, the main defendant is the manufacturer Mead Johnson & Company, LLC (or Mead Johnson Nutrition Company). They are responsible for designing, testing, and supplying formulas such as Enfamil, and they are also in charge of the false marketing and packaging of the product. 

All Enfamil products that are made by Mead are currently being investigated, including:  

Enfamil

Enfacare Powder

Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Liquid High Protein

Enfamil Milk Fortifier Liquid Standard Protein

Enfamil NeuroPro Enfacare

Enfamil Premature 20 Cal

Enfamil Premature 24 Cal

Enfamil Premature 24 Cal/fl oz HP

Enfamil Premature 30 Cal

Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Acidified Liquid

Enfamil Human Milk Fortifier Powder

Enfamil 24 and DHA & ARA Supplement

Contact NEC Baby Formula Attorneys Today 

If your child was given cow’s milk-based baby formula such as Enfamil or Similar while in the hospital and has since been diagnosed with NEC, you may be entitled to a lawsuit, but you must act fast so that all the necessary evidence can be obtained and preserved. Make the right decision and call Van Law Firmtoday–our trusted NEC baby formula attorneys can hold manufacturers accountable for the damages they caused your child to suffer while recovering the most compensation possible. Call our location nearest you for a free case review and consultation.