I usually disregard forwarded email, but I got this last night from a health care professional and felt I should pass it on:

BE SURE TO READ THIS !!!
> >
> >   All drugs containing PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE are being recalled.
> >   You may want to try calling the 800 number listed on most
> >   drug boxes and inquire about a REFUND. Please read this
> >   CAREFULLY. Also, please pass this on to everyone you know.
> >
> >   STOP TAKING anything containing this ingredient. It has been
> >   linked to increased hemorrhagic stroke (bleeding in brain)
> >   among women ages 18-49 in the three days after starting use
> >   of medication. Problems were not found in men, but the FDA
> >   recommended that everyone (even children) seek alternative
> >   medicine.
> >
> >   The following medications contain Phenylpropanolamine:
> >
> >   Acutrim Diet Gum Appetite Suppressant
> >   Acutrim Plus Dietary Supplements
> >   Acutrim Maximum Strength Appetite Control
> >   Alka-Seltzer Plus Children's Cold Medicine Effervescent
> >   Alka! -Seltzer Plus Cold medicine (cherry or orange)
> >   Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold Medicine Original
> >   Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Cough Medicine Effervescent
> >   Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Flu Medicine
> >   Alka-Seltzer Plus Cold & Sinus Effervescent
> >   Alka Seltzer Plus Night-Time Cold Medicine
> >   BC Allergy Sinus Cold Powder
> >   BC Sinus Cold Powder
> >   Comtrex Flu Therapy & Fever Relief
> >   Day & Night Contac 12-Hour Cold Capsules
> >   Contac 12 Hour Caplets
> >   Coricidin D Cold, Flu & Sinus
> >   Dexatrim Caffeine Free
> >   Dexatrim Extended Duration
> >   Dexatrim Gelcaps
> >   Dexatrim Vitamin C/Caffeine Free
> >   Dimetapp Cold & Allergy Chewable Tablets
> >   Dimetapp Cold & Cough Liqui-Gels
> >   Dimetapp DM Cold & Cough Elixir
> >   Dimetapp Elixir
> >   Dimetapp 4 Hour Liquid Gels
> >   Dimetapp 4 Hour Tablets
> >   Dimetapp 12 Hour Exten! tabs Tablets
> >   Naldecon DX Pediatric Drops
> >   Permathene Mega-16
> >   Robitussin CF
> >   Tavist-D 12 Hour Relief of Sinus & Nasal
> >   Congestion
> >   Triaminic DM Cough Rel! ief
> >   Triaminic Expectorant Chest & Head
> >   Triaminic Syrup Cold & Allergy
> >   Triaminic Triaminicol Cold & Cough .....
> >
> >   I just found out and called the 800# on the container
> >   for Triaminic and they informed me that they are voluntarily
> >   recalling the following medicines because of a certain
> >   ingredient that is causing strokes and seizures in children:
> >
> >   Orange 3D Cold & Allergy Cherry (Pink)
> >   3D Cold & Cough Berry
> >   3D Cough Relief Yellow 3D Expectorant
> >
> >   They are asking you to call them at 800-548-3708 with
> >   the lot number on the box so they can send you postage for you
> >   to send it back to them, and they will also issue you a
> >!   refund. If you know of anyone else with small children,
> >   PLEASE PASS THIS ON. THIS IS SERIOUS STUFF!
> >
> >   DO PASS ALONG TO ALL ON YOUR MAILING LIST so people are
> >   informed. They can then pass it along to their families.
> >
> >   To confirm these findings please take time to check the
> >   following:
> >
> >    http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/ppa/
> >
> >   PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO YOUR CHILDREN IN CASE THEY GIVE IT TO
      THEIR CHILDREN OR TO FRIENDS WHO HAVE CHILDREN AND
      GRANDCHILDREN.
> >
> >Thanks for reading this. Please pass this on.

****

I've used a number of medicines on that list. And since earlier this week I had an allergic reaction to a pain reliever that was prescribed for me after a dental visit, I'm determined to be even more careful about what medicine my family and I take.

Has anyone else heard about this recall? Are there other recalls that we should know about?