UK teething move

TEETHING gels containing lidocaine will only be available through pharmacies in the UK from 2019, under a measure announced by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Pharmacists were best placed to provide guidance during teething, and “these medicines should only be used when non-medicinal options do not provide necessary relief,” the MHRA said.

A review conducted by the MHRA also recommended updates to safety warnings and instructions.

“Teething is a natural process and lidocaine containing teething products such as teething gels should only be used as a second line of treatment after discussion with and guidance of a healthcare professional,” the agency advised.