Medicated Acne Gel Recall: Sold at Wal-Mart, Kroger and Dollar General
Published: November 18th, 2008 • Comments: 9
A recall has been issued for 1 ounce tubes of 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cream, which were sold as “Kroger Acne Gel”, “DG Maximum Strength Acne Medicated Gel” and “Equate: Medicated Acne Gel.” The products may be contaminated with a bacteria that could result in a potentially serious infection.
The medicated acne gel was manufactured by CSI USA, Inc. and sold throughout the United States at Wal-Mart, Krogers and Dollar General stores. It was sold between August 2007 and October 2008 at Wal-Mart stores under the Equate brand name, between July 2008 and October 2008 at Kroger stores under the Kroger brand name and between August 2008 and October 2008 at Dollar General stores under the DG brand name.
Samples of the 1 ounce tubes of 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Cream have tested positive for Burkholderia Cepacia bacteria, which is also known as Pseudomonas Cepacia.
According to the medicated acne gel recall notice posted on the FDA’s website, the risk of illness among healthy individuals using these products is very low. The manufacturer indicates that they have received no reports of adverse health events associated with the bacterial contamination of the acne gel.
However, for individuals with scrapes, rashes, cuts or other compromised skin conditions and for individuals with weakened or suppressed immune systems, the use of the recalled acne cream could pose a risk for infections.
The effects of a Burkholderia Cepacia infection may vary widely. While some individuals may exhibit no symptoms at all, others could experience serious respiratory infections. The bacteria has also been known to cause “foot-rot” among soldiers though it is more commonly associated with the development of serious health conditions in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and those with chronic lung disease.
For individuals with existing health problems, Burkholderia Cepacia can attack the lungs and deterioration may be gradual or accelerated depending on the health of the person and on the type of Burkholderia Cepacia. In some cases, the bacteria could lead to pneumonia and death.
CSI USA, Inc. and the FDA are urging all consumers to stop using the recalled medicated acne gel. Refunds may be obtained from the place of purchase or directly from the manufacturer. For more information, visit www.acnemedrecall.com.
Comment by Mandy on 27 August 2009:
I understand the recall but when is it coming back? My skin has been a mess since I ran out of it! I have been using the equate achne gel for years, I used to use oxy get, but they changed their formula and it makes my face really greasy. Equate achne gel is the only thing I have found that clears my achne.
Comment by Lesia on 29 August 2009:
Please let me know if Equate medicated Acne Gel will be available again. I used to purchase every bottle I could find for my son in Walmart and he is almost out. This is the only thing that helps his Acne.
Comment by Yvette on 1 September 2009:
I hope that the equate medicated acne gel will not be taken off the market for good because this is the only thing that helps my acne.Please let me know if it will be available again.
Comment by Christine on 1 September 2009:
I realize others have asked this same question, but I also would love to know when this product will be available again to consumers? I have tried other products, even some of the more expensive brands like Clinique, and nothing does the job (especially for the price!) like the Equate Medicated acne gel. Help!
Comment by Fence on 9 September 2009:
IT’S BAAAAAACK!!!! I check during every visit to Wal-mart, and was I surprised to see it today! It’s $1.97 now, but I still bought 4 boxes of this bargain miracle gel! Get it while it’s hot!
Comment by wendy on 10 September 2009:
i love this acne gel, please bring it back!
email me when you have it in stock please.
Comment by Nancy on 15 October 2009:
I’ve suffered with acne all my life. After using every medication on the market, including prescription. In 2004, now in my forties, I discovered equate acne cream at Walmart. It completely cleared up and maintained all blemishes. Now it isn’t carried anymore because of a bacteria recall. Unable to get this product anymore I am once again unable to control my acne. It makes you wonder. Is it the bacteria that made it work so well? After all what is Botox?
Comment by amy on 22 November 2009:
It’s back in my wallmart i live in florida
Comment by Dylan on 10 January 2010:
This stuff is back, looks different though…it works great so far…