thimerosalcontaining

Thimerosal-containing refers to products that include thimerosal, a preservative used to prevent bacterial and fungal growth in multi-dose vials and other preparations. Thimerosal is an organomercury compound (ethylmercury thiosalicylate) introduced in the 1920s and has been widely used to extend shelf life and reduce contamination risks.

Common thimerosal-containing products include certain vaccines (particularly some multi-dose influenza vaccines and older formulations of combination vaccines), and a range of ophthalmic solutions and topical medicines. In many countries, manufacturers have reduced or eliminated thimerosal in pediatric vaccines; in the United States, most single-dose vaccines for children are thimerosal-free or contain only trace amounts; some multi-dose influenza vaccines continue to contain thimerosal as a preservative in some markets.

Health and safety: Regulatory agencies consider the amount of ethylmercury in thimerosal-containing products to be within established safety limits when used as directed. Numerous studies have not found a causal link between thimerosal in vaccines and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders; public health bodies emphasize that benefits of vaccines outweigh any potential risk. People with known hypersensitivity to thimerosal should avoid thimerosal-containing products, and some products may carry labeling to warn for allergies.

Regulation and labeling: Thimerosal-containing products are generally labeled to indicate the presence of thimerosal; some jurisdictions require explicit warnings or restrictions, particularly for sensitive populations such as pregnant women or children.