Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray Recall: Risk of Infection from B. Cepacia Bacteria
Published: November 20th, 2009 • Comments: 12
About 120,000 bottles of Vicks Sinex Vapo Spray are being recalled due to the potential risk of infection from bacterial contamination.
The Vicks Sinex nasal spray recall was announced on Thursday after Procter & Gamble discovered the presence of B. cepacia bacteria in some bottles of nasal spray at the company’s production plant in Gross Gerau, Germany. There have been no reported illnesses connected to the contamination.
Bukholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) is bacteria often found in soil and water that is often resistant to commonly used antibiotics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the bacteria carry little risk for healthy people. However, it does pose a threat to people with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis. Individuals with these health problems appear to be more susceptible to B. cepacia respiratory infections.
B. cepacia is often linked to medicine contamination. In 2004, another nasal spray, Major Twice-A-Day 12 Hour Nasal Spray by Propharma, was also recalled due to B. cepacia contamination.
The contaminated batch of Vicks Sinex nasal spray was divided into three lots and distributed to the United States, United Kingdom and Germany. All three lots are being recalled. In the U.S., the recall affects lot # 9239028831 of Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-Hour Decongestant Ultra Fine Mist, 15 ml, Nasal Spray. In the U.K., lot # 9224028832 of Vicks Sinex Micromist Aqueous Nasal Spray Solution, 15 ml was recalled. The German batch was lot # 9224028833 Wick Sinex Schnupfenspray Dosiersystem, 15 ml.
Proctor & Gamble and the FDA recommend that anyone who has this nasal spray stop use of it immediately and contact Procter & Gamble for a refund or replacement coupon. Any adverse effects should be reported to FDA’s MedWatch adverse events reporting program.
Comment by peter on 20 November 2009:
Stated with a chest infection October 4th went to Doctor was precribed antibiotics no effect used vicks sinex,the condition got worse had a second course of antibiotics then more test and x-rays the inection/bacteria was found to be resistent to both the prescribed antibitics so recomended to take TRIMETHOPRIM .Gradualy getting better but still have chest/lung problem .have also stoped using sinex about 5/6 days ago.
Comment by james on 20 November 2009:
another product made oversea’s cheap labor no quality control american co makes money we get sick
Comment by ANITA on 20 November 2009:
I HAVE ALWAYS USED VICKS VAPOSPRAY, I HAVE 2 BOTTLES IN MY
PURSE NOW, IT IS THE ONLY ONE THAT CLEARS MY HEAD. I HATE TO THINK THAT I COULD NOT USE THIS ANYMORE.
Comment by Meghan on 20 November 2009:
Should i be worried,,, am i going to die…. i have been sick
Comment by Joyce on 21 November 2009:
I have used Vicks products including the inhaler for relief of stuffy noses.No other product Ive tried gives me the relief that Vicks does. I understand if there is a temporary problem.But I sure hope it gets back on its feet and back to the product I “ve always looked to for relief . Im 58 years old and a 14 yr. Liver Transplant and Vicks products have never hurt me,so get back on the shelves Vicks.
Comment by Patti on 22 November 2009:
I have been using Vick’s Vapospray for years.I just finished a bottle of Vicks vapospray 4 hour and have a new 12 hour decongestant.It is not the ultra fine mist,but i had that before.I have had nasal problems for at least a year .I have had allergy tests and they were negative -How can you assure me that my nasal problems are not causd by your product ? since I buy whatever Vicks Sinex vapospray the store is carrying at the time
Comment by Kimberly on 24 November 2009:
Ironically enough, I e-mailed vicks just last month10/17 about any adverse health affects vicks may cause…They e-mailed me back saying”none of our products are addictive!” I was at my Drs. office for a respriratory infection Thursday of last week. I hope the Vicks sinus spray isn’t the cause, since this “virus” is resistant to a lot of anti-biotics!
Comment by Jason on 1 December 2009:
I have been using VapoSpray for 2 years. I have been sick with a sinus cold and bronchtis for 3 weeks. I am just know getting better. I wonder if that was form the spray? Has anyone had similar problems?
Comment by Ruth on 16 December 2009:
I had used Vicks Sinex Vapospray for little over a month when I heard about the recall. I have been sick for 2 weeks with infection. The infection settled in my inner ear and I am so dizzy I can’t walk very well. Dr. says it is my inner ear. Never been so sick in my 61 years. Been to emergency room twice, four other dr. visits also. Am now on steroids trying to help the dizziness. Has anyone else had any of these problems. I have always been very healthy and am so frustrated right here at Christmas can’t even drive to do my shopping. Could this nasal spray have caused my problem?
Comment by stacy on 23 December 2009:
I have been using this product for years and my ENT told me using this vicks sinex had destroyed the lining in my nose. I had surgery 4 weeks ago today and am still fighting infection. I called P&G about the recalll and though the bottles I have do not have the same batch # as their recall they would not confirm that they test each batch. They are wanting me to send them all the bottles I have and want my medical records. P&G would not even offer to refund me on all the bottles I will never use let alone even care that I just had surgery. Leviquin is the only antibiotic I am responding to and that is a awful drug in itself.
Comment by marc on 23 January 2010:
Hi Folks …I use this stuff everyday.I use two bottles a week i think its to much but i need it for my nose it works great …
Comment by cruztacio on 1 March 2010:
well ever since I foud out about this vick sinex and its effectiveness i have bough it but now i cant find it when will it be back on the market because I have not have no other product that thoes to my congestion what vick does, i have had this problem ever since i was 13 years and now it seem a lot worse. please sinex come back to the market please please………..