Since my Mitrofanoff procedure two years ago and being thrust back into cathing again after 33 years post, I wanted to update everyone on some of the recent events with catheters that have been making news.
First off, I’m a Cure catheter user. After my surgery I was given about ten different choices and I decided Cure was the best for me. I’m not writing this to try to sway anyone to Cure, although I can help you get some free samples if you like, but I want to give you some education so you can make an informed decision before you place your next order.
The first important thing that came out recently was the addition of warning labels about harmful chemicals (DEHP/DINP) in some catheter brands. These warning labels have begun showing up on some kinds of catheter boxes or packaging. The photo is the label that has shown up on boxes of RUSCH catheters and Coloplast Self-Cath catheters.
Their warning labels are a new requirement of the Prop 65 law in California, and it’s also why I’ve been telling everyone I know who use caths about it. Research has determined that continual DEHP exposure may be related to the development of cancer, the reduction of testosterone and sterility in men, respiratory problems, and other issues such as birth defects.
In Texas, apparently nobody knows about this yet and I want my friends to at least know what’s going on in case they want to make a switch.
To see what’s coming down the pipeline and why it’s important to know – go to these sites: https://curemedical.com/understanding-dehp-health/; https://curemedical.com/leading-disability-advocates-do-not-want-scary-chemicals-in-intermittent-catheters/; and https://www.180medical.com/blog/is-dehp-in-catheters-harmful/.
Here’s an article about DEHP being used in medical equipment and how it could be harming babies because the chemical can be absorbed through the mouth and skin as it leeches out from the plastic – https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2014/11/plasticizers-dehp-icu-babies-pvc-plastic-medical-equipment/. That’s why the FDA has banned DEHP from being used in children’s toys altogether.
If it’s not good for babies, then why is it OK for us to have DEHP in the catheters we use several times a day?
If you don’t know what’s in the catheters you use, call your medical supply provider to find out what chemicals are in them.
If you’d like to try a free sample of Cure Catheters that aren’t made with DEHP/DINP or other Prop 65 chemicals, request them here: https://curemedical.com/try-a-cure/