Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray Recall: Risk of Infection from B. Cepacia Bacteria

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.

Did You Know?

Millions of Philips CPAP Machines Recalled

Philips DreamStation, CPAP and BiPAP machines sold in recent years may pose a risk of cancer, lung damage and other injuries.

Learn More

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.

Image Credit: |

37 Comments

  • ChuckOctober 8, 2023 at 6:44 pm

    I have used Vicks for over three years, I am 83. years old and have observed no adverse side affects at all. I also have and periodically use the "Navage Nasal cleaner. " Some time I also use "NeilMed Sinus Rinse". O I don't use anything everyday other than the sine, which I have been able to purchase at Kroger Stores and Wal-Mart. I use it daily at bedtime.

  • thomasAugust 26, 2023 at 2:32 pm

    YOUR SINEX SEVERE IS A COMPLETE BOGAS PRODUCT. I'M 82 YEARS OLD AND WAS ABLE TO OPEN YOUR BOTTLE ONE TIME ONLY. IM SURE THAT OTHERS WILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM TRYING TO OPEN THE BOTTLE.

  • BarryMay 29, 2023 at 10:30 pm

    Vicks nasal spray is the only thing that works instantly and over a long-term(hours) duration. If i ntake the nasal spray with the "Ph" drug my sinuses get worse asap only the "Ox" drug works. This stuff(vicks) is more expensive (retail) than gold. .05% of 1oz is $8.79 at CVS. CVS should be shut down for their $$-gouging!

  • WendyJune 24, 2020 at 6:04 pm

    2019 around feb or March I used this spray it’s now the end of June 2020 and I have sores and blisters popping up to this day every since I used the spray . I went to the hospital and dr constantly and they can’t test me for no bacteria. It went from my throat to my chest pneumonia feeling to my joints. My white blood cells tripled. I have bald spots and sores won’t go away because of that spray. [Show More]2019 around feb or March I used this spray it’s now the end of June 2020 and I have sores and blisters popping up to this day every since I used the spray . I went to the hospital and dr constantly and they can’t test me for no bacteria. It went from my throat to my chest pneumonia feeling to my joints. My white blood cells tripled. I have bald spots and sores won’t go away because of that spray. But no one can help me. I’m he dry said nothing is wrong this is normal. I have documented proof and pics and still have the nasal spray bottle. Guess I will be miserable for ever. No one can help me. I want my life back.

  • DeniseAugust 20, 2014 at 3:31 am

    I used the four hour spray at night for years and was even able to dilute it enough to stretch what i had until finally i was out. There is something in tge 12 hour that actually plugs my nose more. Well, desperate times called for desperate measures. I finally went and got some plain "4-way", a bottle of moistuizing spray, and a jar of vicks vaporub. I mix half of the first two and then put a fin[Show More]I used the four hour spray at night for years and was even able to dilute it enough to stretch what i had until finally i was out. There is something in tge 12 hour that actually plugs my nose more. Well, desperate times called for desperate measures. I finally went and got some plain "4-way", a bottle of moistuizing spray, and a jar of vicks vaporub. I mix half of the first two and then put a fingerfull of vaporub in the bottle a shake like crazy. The vapors mix with the rest and i can sleep! Only problem is it's hard to wash the waxy part out of the spray bottle. Use real hot water!

  • glenJanuary 22, 2014 at 11:13 pm

    so far proctor and gamble have ignored my question of the results of the "lab" test to me ...I wil have my own independent test results anytime soon hopefully...what is the matter with these people that spray is toxic...whoever reads this and has advese reaction to this recommended to contact me vis this page

  • glenDecember 4, 2013 at 11:05 am

    well so far with my quest to find out what is wrong with the bottles I purchased in a message I have written to them ...Proctor and Gamble they have not advised me as yet ...is it not fair that I should be told if these bottles were contaminated ...? insteat they have simply posted a letter and $15 woolworths card for me...and nothing else said except ofcourse a apology ...that is not good enoug[Show More]well so far with my quest to find out what is wrong with the bottles I purchased in a message I have written to them ...Proctor and Gamble they have not advised me as yet ...is it not fair that I should be told if these bottles were contaminated ...? insteat they have simply posted a letter and $15 woolworths card for me...and nothing else said except ofcourse a apology ...that is not good enough I am slowly recovering as I am now on my 3rd script of Augumentum Forte antibiotics ....and when I look through other letters people have posted I really carnt understand "why' anyone would go to the trouble and search for a page like this just to say how good there products are "crap"

  • glenDecember 2, 2013 at 2:06 am

    I recently purchased 4 bottles of vicks nasal spray that were on special for $8 as I have a history of sinus problems ..to my disgust I only tried this product twice ...the first time I used it ..I thought there mnust have been something wrong with me and never used it again...until I was terriablely blocked and reached for the bottle of spray to my disgust I had to get up from bed at 2 in the mor[Show More]I recently purchased 4 bottles of vicks nasal spray that were on special for $8 as I have a history of sinus problems ..to my disgust I only tried this product twice ...the first time I used it ..I thought there mnust have been something wrong with me and never used it again...until I was terriablely blocked and reached for the bottle of spray to my disgust I had to get up from bed at 2 in the morning and swallow honey and drink ice cold drinks to stop the burning ...I have been on antibiotics and my throat is still infected ...I have sent the bottled to Proctor and Gamble for assessment ...they haven\\\'t not told me if there is something wrong withb ther product as yet...I demand some sort of explaination

  • Silent CalDecember 10, 2011 at 4:52 am

    The new 12 hour stuff doesn't work for me, either! I'm pretty miserable. I used the 4 hour formula for years only at night with a Breathe Rite strip and slept like a baby. The phenylephrine plus whatever base was used in the four hour product was cooling and worked immediately. The oxymetazoline formula in the 12-hour version isn't cooling, and makes me feel dehydrated. I wake up with a dry m[Show More]The new 12 hour stuff doesn't work for me, either! I'm pretty miserable. I used the 4 hour formula for years only at night with a Breathe Rite strip and slept like a baby. The phenylephrine plus whatever base was used in the four hour product was cooling and worked immediately. The oxymetazoline formula in the 12-hour version isn't cooling, and makes me feel dehydrated. I wake up with a dry mouth and a stuffy nose. Please bring back the 4 hour. There's no need to completely abandon this product. Re-issue it with the same active ingredient and that menthol sensation, but put it in an orange box and it'll be easy to identify as safe.

  • RandyNovember 10, 2011 at 6:27 pm

    Ive been using Sinex for years and Its the only product period that gives me relief. Now Im a mess. Im missing work and unable to drive sometimes. I hate being a mouth breather. My wife dose not even want to kiss me anymore. Alot of people are suffering. Please put the recalled sinex back on the market so I can breath better and keep my marriage happy and so I can keep my job without further hinde[Show More]Ive been using Sinex for years and Its the only product period that gives me relief. Now Im a mess. Im missing work and unable to drive sometimes. I hate being a mouth breather. My wife dose not even want to kiss me anymore. Alot of people are suffering. Please put the recalled sinex back on the market so I can breath better and keep my marriage happy and so I can keep my job without further hinderance by taking so many sick days off

  • DianeJune 4, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    ive been on sinex 4 hour for about 17 years,its the only one that works,the new and improved 12 hour sinex sucks..please bring the 4 hour back on shelves,luckily i overstocked,and still have 1 bottle left forget the recall you aint getting mine back,hurry up im getting low

  • LexieMarch 10, 2011 at 7:07 am

    im scared. im 11 years old and i used Vicks VapoSpray. wich is a nasel sray. well i accadently tiped my head back and sprayed it up my nose. and of course it went through my throught. i could tast it... it was gross. i started freaking out. i ran to my dads room and i was scared i told him what happend. then he laghed and said its supposed to go down your throught. then he gave me a bottle of wate[Show More]im scared. im 11 years old and i used Vicks VapoSpray. wich is a nasel sray. well i accadently tiped my head back and sprayed it up my nose. and of course it went through my throught. i could tast it... it was gross. i started freaking out. i ran to my dads room and i was scared i told him what happend. then he laghed and said its supposed to go down your throught. then he gave me a bottle of water to get the tast out. it did help but in was still in my throught. so i went back in my room and blowed my nose to get the spray out. then i got it out. but i still had it in my system. i looked at the label and it said.... IF ACCEDENTAL INGESTION PLEASE CALL A PIOSON CONTROL CENTER RIGHT AWAY. thats exaclely what i did.. well i DID NOT call a pioson center at all. but i did ingest it. im still worried. am i going to die?

  • Kenr55January 24, 2011 at 3:36 pm

    Don't you folks read the warnings and indications that come with Vick's Sinus spray - it's not for long time use. My ENT only recommends using it for three or four days tops - that's it. If you use it beyond that point, your body gets used to it and then addicted to it - yes - you'll have what they call a "Rebound Effect". Without a dose, your sinuses will swell up and become inflamed and clogg[Show More]Don't you folks read the warnings and indications that come with Vick's Sinus spray - it's not for long time use. My ENT only recommends using it for three or four days tops - that's it. If you use it beyond that point, your body gets used to it and then addicted to it - yes - you'll have what they call a "Rebound Effect". Without a dose, your sinuses will swell up and become inflamed and clogged - and the only way out, in the beginning, is to use the spray. These sprays - all of them, are really highly addictive. And the only way to get off of them is to use some sort of Cortisone like spray - something like Nasonex -that's what works for me. So please read the labels on any over the counter medicine you take - if you don't you're really putting your life and your health into somebody else's hands. So be wise and read - that's the only way you'll really know what you're taking and what it will do to your body and your health.

  • karrieJanuary 16, 2011 at 4:10 am

    I too have been using Vicks and it is the only thing that gives me relief as well. I went to several other locations (mostly CVS/Walgreens, etc.) - asked the pharmacists and none of them stated anything about a recall. Please figure out what is wrong - fix it and get it back on the shelves. What you have out there now is no better than Afrin! The menthol that is in it totally clears up whateve[Show More]I too have been using Vicks and it is the only thing that gives me relief as well. I went to several other locations (mostly CVS/Walgreens, etc.) - asked the pharmacists and none of them stated anything about a recall. Please figure out what is wrong - fix it and get it back on the shelves. What you have out there now is no better than Afrin! The menthol that is in it totally clears up whatever blockage might exist at the time.

  • AaronDecember 29, 2010 at 8:32 am

    Aha! So *now* I know why! None of the pharmacists here in Sydney Australia would tell me why. --- *Please* make a big effort to bring it back as the others I've been forced to try are *really* bad. I'm having to use "Dimetapp 12hr" which has a awful rebound effect (nose blocks even more tightly as soon as it wears off). Before that, I was recommended--and used--a generic no-name brand that the p[Show More]Aha! So *now* I know why! None of the pharmacists here in Sydney Australia would tell me why. --- *Please* make a big effort to bring it back as the others I've been forced to try are *really* bad. I'm having to use "Dimetapp 12hr" which has a awful rebound effect (nose blocks even more tightly as soon as it wears off). Before that, I was recommended--and used--a generic no-name brand that the pharmacist said had the same "active ingredient" as Vicks Sinex. But it would not clear my nose for the duration of a good night's sleep.

  • JenniferNovember 8, 2010 at 2:03 am

    I live in Mexico and i went to buy some Vicks nasal spray and nowhere to be found. I even asked someone to go to the states to find some and nothing. Well little did I know it was recalled GEEZE now what do I do. I need it back too PLEASE!!!

  • AnneSeptember 22, 2010 at 5:51 pm

    Vicks 4 hour with the active ingredient, phenylephrine is the only product I've found that clears my sinuses and alleviates the pressure headaches. Since I couldn't find it, I purchased Vicks vapoinhaler, with active ingredient levmetamfetamine. This doesn't even unplug my nose let alone reach my clogged sinuses! Please get the 4 hour w/ phenylephrine back on the shelves soon!

  • M.September 12, 2010 at 11:19 am

    This product is the only one that works for me. Surely, by now, the problem is fixed, and manufacture can continue. At present, it is not available in Sydney, Australia. BRING IT BACK ASAP !

  • melAugust 21, 2010 at 7:25 pm

    hi, i\'m 60 years old and i can\'t remember when i didn\'t use vicks 4 hour nasal spray,it\'s absolutely the best product for nasal conjestion. please try to get your quality control problems fixed,if you actually have any which i doubt. by the way i would use the 12 hour but it actually makes the problem worse for me. i know that sounds silly but its a difference in the formulation. GET TO WORK:P[Show More]hi, i\'m 60 years old and i can\'t remember when i didn\'t use vicks 4 hour nasal spray,it\'s absolutely the best product for nasal conjestion. please try to get your quality control problems fixed,if you actually have any which i doubt. by the way i would use the 12 hour but it actually makes the problem worse for me. i know that sounds silly but its a difference in the formulation. GET TO WORK:PLEASE GET 4 HOUR BACK

  • JoanAugust 21, 2010 at 12:36 am

    I have used This nose spray for years. It is the only one I h ave ever found that will open my nose. I have tried many brands. Where can I buy this spray on line???

  • MadelynJuly 12, 2010 at 1:45 pm

    I have used Vick's Nasal spray for years. It is the only thing that works. I got so sick I could barely move, blinding headaches...all I could do is lie on the couch. I kept using the spray since I couldn't breathe. However, I noticed that my nasal passages were very swollen and sore. They continued to get worse. When I tried to blow my nose, blood would come out. This went on for almost two week[Show More]I have used Vick's Nasal spray for years. It is the only thing that works. I got so sick I could barely move, blinding headaches...all I could do is lie on the couch. I kept using the spray since I couldn't breathe. However, I noticed that my nasal passages were very swollen and sore. They continued to get worse. When I tried to blow my nose, blood would come out. This went on for almost two weeks. Then, when I went to buy more spray, I was told about the recall. No more info was available at the time. I tried another brand, which of course didn't work as well, but I needed something. I did start to slowly improve. the swelling went down so I could breathe some better. It is still not right, but it is better.

  • SaticonJuly 11, 2010 at 3:56 am

    I use this all the time-- and the 12 hour kind just doesn't do it for mne, it has to be the 4 hour- the active ingredient is different between the two- 4 & 12 I hadn't heard of the recall but I couldn't find 4 hour anyway, today I went in a CVS some distance freom my home and thought I struck gold- they had 12 bottles of the 4 hour I took all 12 to the register to buy then the clerk said "fun[Show More]I use this all the time-- and the 12 hour kind just doesn't do it for mne, it has to be the 4 hour- the active ingredient is different between the two- 4 & 12 I hadn't heard of the recall but I couldn't find 4 hour anyway, today I went in a CVS some distance freom my home and thought I struck gold- they had 12 bottles of the 4 hour I took all 12 to the register to buy then the clerk said "funny, it comes up "can't sell product" she asked a super who told us of the recall..... I hope hey get new botgtles out quick I'd even use thge recalled ones ,the risk seems acceptable to me does anybody know why they discontimnued the 4 hour in th mist pump? That was even better than he spray bottle.

  • SteveJuly 8, 2010 at 7:59 pm

    I have used this spray since i was a child and went to 5 or 6 stores and finally a walmart store told me it was on recall after checking alot of stores. Its the only thing that clears my nose others do not work. Hope to see it in the stores again.

  • RussellMarch 20, 2010 at 3:23 am

    Have only just found out today why Synex was removed from the shelves. I have used Synex for about 12 years and at least once per day normally at bed time to prevent my sinus blocking off causing a bad nights sleep. Since using Synex I have gone through many winters without cold or flu which means no time off work. Had to revert to Drixine which makes me feel more than uneasy so hurry up Vicks, I [Show More]Have only just found out today why Synex was removed from the shelves. I have used Synex for about 12 years and at least once per day normally at bed time to prevent my sinus blocking off causing a bad nights sleep. Since using Synex I have gone through many winters without cold or flu which means no time off work. Had to revert to Drixine which makes me feel more than uneasy so hurry up Vicks, I look forward to you restocking my pharmacy with Synex again ASAP.

  • eliaMarch 19, 2010 at 10:42 pm

    wow, the commenters on this page have a cumulative IQ of about 45. unbelievable.

  • cruztacioMarch 1, 2010 at 11:49 pm

    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...........

  • marcJanuary 23, 2010 at 9:00 am

    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 ...

  • stacyDecember 23, 2009 at 4:15 am

    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[Show More]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.

  • RuthDecember 16, 2009 at 2:49 pm

    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 e[Show More]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?

  • JasonDecember 1, 2009 at 9:03 pm

    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?

  • KimberlyNovember 24, 2009 at 11:14 pm

    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!

  • PattiNovember 22, 2009 at 10:08 pm

    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 [Show More]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

  • JoyceNovember 21, 2009 at 5:30 pm

    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 Vic[Show More]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.

  • MeghanNovember 21, 2009 at 12:06 am

    Should i be worried,,, am i going to die.... i have been sick

  • ANITANovember 20, 2009 at 7:02 pm

    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.

  • jamesNovember 20, 2009 at 5:47 pm

    another product made oversea's cheap labor no quality control american co makes money we get sick

  • peterNovember 20, 2009 at 5:38 pm

    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[Show More]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.

Share Your Comments

I authorize the above comments be posted on this page*

Want your comments reviewed by a lawyer?

To have an attorney review your comments and contact you about a potential case, provide your contact information below. This will not be published.

NOTE: Providing information for review by an attorney does not form an attorney-client relationship.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

More Top Stories

Gardasil Lawsuits Over Failure To Warn Doctors About HPV Vaccine Risks Cleared To Move Forward
Gardasil Lawsuits Over Failure To Warn Doctors About HPV Vaccine Risks Cleared To Move Forward (Posted today)

A federal judge has cleared Gardasil lawsuits to move forward, after paring down plaintiffs' claims to those alleging Merck either failed to warn, or fraudulently concealed, the HPV vaccine's risks from the medical community.