This is important health information for all tampon users. Please read it carefully.
Toxic Shock Syndrome
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is an extremely rare, but serious disease that can occur in men, women and children, sometimes resulting in death. Some cases of TSS have been associated with the use of tampons.
TSS can be treated successfully, providing it is recognised quickly - and most people make a full recovery. The symptoms are a sudden high fever usually over 39 degrees C, vomiting, diarrhoea, a sun burn like rash, a sore throat, dizziness or fainting. In the unlikely event of these symptoms occurring during your period, you must remove your tampon and consult your doctor immediately.
By using your tampon correctly, following the usage instructions detailed in the leaflet that is always provided in a box of tampons, you will reduce the risk of developing TSS. To ensure safe tampon use, please also:
- Use the minimum absorbency tampon for your flow requirement. The fewer droplets on pack, the lower the absorbency.
- Check that you have removed your last tampon when your period is over - a tampon should never be worn at any other time of the month.
- Never use more than one tampon at once, use a liner if you are concerned about leakage.
- Since tampons should be changed on average every 4 to 8 hours, consider using a sanitary towel overnight. If tampons are worn overnight, insert a fresh tampon before going to sleep and then again first thing in the morning.