The use of cow milk-based infant formulas like Similac and Enfamil has been linked to an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among premature infants, which can result in serious injuries, lifelong health complications and death.

STATUS OF ENFAMIL AND SIMILAC FORMULA LAWSUITS: Free consultations and case evaluations are being provided by product liability lawyers to determine if financial compensation may be available through a baby formula NEC lawsuit against the makers of Similac and Enfamil.

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MANUFACTURERS: Abbott Laboratories is the manufacturer of Similac and Enfamil is manufactured by Mead Johnson.

OVERVIEW: Similac and Enfamil are infant formula products that have been widely used in the NICU at hospitals nationwide for premature babies. Both products contain a form of cow’s milk, which has been broken down, or hydrolyzed, to remove certain proteins known to cause allergic reactions.

Similac is the most frequently used brand of formula by hospitals, and has been on the market for about a century.

A number of studies throughout the years have linked the use of cows milk-based formulas to an increased risk of NEC in premature infants. However, false and misleading information has been provided to parents, hospitals and medical providers about the risk that Enfamil or Similac may cause necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

SIMILAC AND ENFAMIL NEC RISKS: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious health condition which causes an infant’s intestinal tissues to become inflamed. If left untreated, it can cause that tissue to die, resulting in perforations in the intestines, which allows bacteria to leak into the abdomen or infiltrate the bloodstream. This can lead to life-threatening infections, narrowing of the intestines, short bowel syndrome, developmental delays and a failure to thrive.

About 90% of NEC cases occur among babies born in the 37th week of pregnancy and affects about 1 out of every 1,000 premature infants. It is usually diagnosed through a blood test for bacterial infections, fecal tests looking for blood in the stool, or by x-rays revealing air bubbles in the abdomen or around the intestines.

Symptoms can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and temperature
• Bloody diarrhea
• Green or yellow vomit
• Inability to gain weight
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy

Although numerous studies published in recent years have linked Similac and Enfamil to an increased risk of NEC, the manufacturers have failed to provide adequate warnings about the potential risk to infants, and in fact still promote their products as a preferred, premium formula for premature infants.

Some studies have indicated babies fed cow’s milk formula exclusively are six to 10 times more likely to be diagnosed with NEC than infants given only breast milk.

FREE SIMILAC AND ENFAMIL LAWSUIT EVALUATION: Product liability lawyers provide free consultations and claim evaluations to help determine if financial compensation and settlement benefits may be available as a result of the manufacturers’ failure to warn about the link between Similac, Enfamil and necrotizing enterocolitis.

Lawsuits are being investigated nationwide for parents of infants who were left severely injured, or who died, due to an NEC diagnosis after being fed Similac or Enfamil while hospitalized.

All claims are handled on a contingency fee basis and there are no out-of-pocket expenses and no fees unless a recovery is obtained.

Tags: Enfamil, Infant Formula, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, Similac