Sweet Danger: The Hidden Risks of Candy-Lookalike Medications

There are many types of pills that can look like candy, especially for children. Some examples include Chewable and gummy vitamins or supplements: Chewable vitamin tablets can often look and taste like popular chewable candies, such as Runts, Sweet Tarts, and candy necklaces. Gummy vitamins or supplements can look and taste like gummy bears, fruit snacks, or other gummy treats.

Cannabis edibles: As more states legalize cannabis, cases in which children accidentally eat food or drinks that contain cannabis are on the rise. Cannabis edibles can be especially tricky because they don’t just look like food — they often are food products with cannabis as an added ingredient.

Chewable antacids: Many antacids come in fruit or mint flavors and can look and taste like Sweet Tarts or Mentos.

Some antacid chews can also look and taste like a piece of bubble gum or taffy.

Tablets with a smooth outer coating: Many medications, such as conjugated estrogens (Premarin), iron supplements, and over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen (Advil), come as tablets with a smooth outer coating. It’s there to make tablets easier to swallow, among other effects. But it can also make them look very similar to various candies, such as M&M’s, Skittles, and Tic Tacs.

Chewable Vitamins: These often come in bright colors and fun shapes, making them look similar to gummy candies.

Antacid Tablets: Some antacids are colorful and round, resembling small hard candies.

Cough Drops: With their shiny, often brightly colored exteriors, cough drops can easily be mistaken for hard candy.

Birth Control Pills: Packaged in circular or rectangular formations with colorful coatings, they can appear candy-like.

Pediatric Medications: Liquid medicines or chewables designed for children are sometimes flavored and brightly colored, much like liquid candy or gummy treats.

It’s important to note that even over-the-counter medications, such as vitamins or antacids, can be dangerous if taken in large amounts. Parents and caregivers should take steps to store medications away from children and educate them on when it’s safe to take medication and from whom.

Poison Control
Call 1-800-222-1222

Go Fund Me - Help Build a Home for People with Special Physical Needs wanting to be Independent

Go Fund Me - Help Build a Home for People with Special Physical Needs wanting to be Independent 

https://www.gofundme.com/maintain-a-wheelchair-home

Jake is my son. He was born 29 years ago. By the time he was 6 months we learned he had Cerebral Palsy. The doctor didn't give us much hope, but that night Jake looked up at me and smiled. Like most special need parents we were looking for a miracle.  As Jake grew older we learned he was a quadriplegic, but blessed with the ability to talk. All his other needs required assistance. But I promised Jake and myself we would stay together and make it. 

Before Jake was born, I completed my Doctorate Degree and worked as a College Program Director. I raised grant monies for Meals on Wheels for the elderly, disabled, and people with AIDs.

I wanted to be a great mother, but I needed to support Jake's medical needs. (Jakes' father left when he was 4 years old). I found work I could do mostly at home. For over 40 years as a single mother, I worked a full-time job and 4 part-time jobs. I paid my taxes, Medicare, and Jake's medical bills for 29 years plus.

As the years passed, I worried what would become of Jake. There was no family left and he did not want to go to a group home.

I turned our home into a Boarding House hoping to create a home for other people with special needs.

There was no money to make repairs and upgrades to the home. The medical bills came first. If I don't make the upgrades, we will be forced to move out.

I don't have much money to hire an aide,  So I had to give up my work and became Jake's caregiver. I'm in my 60's and I am trying to do my best, but it is becoming more difficult.

Please help us. We want to stay together and I would like to leave the house to Jake and other people needing assistance - giving people a sense of Independence and self-esteem would mean the world to me. 

Go Fund Me - Help Build a Home for People with Special Physical Needs wanting to be Independent 

Thank you for taking the time to read our story.

with warmest regard,

Sandy and Jake