Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Recall Over Microbial Contamination Issued Following Adverse Reaction Report
The laxative recall was originally limited to just one lot sold at CVS, but has now been expanded to include more than 30 store-brand magnesium citrate saline laxatives
Microbial contamination has led to a laxative recall, impacting a variety of lemon-flavored, over-the-counter magnesium laxatives sold under store brand names such as Harris Teeter, Meijer, Kroger and Rite Aid.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a magnesium laxative recall on July 15, impacting products manufactured by Vi-Jon, which may pose a risk of serious and life-treating illness. The recall came after the FDA reported receiving an adverse event report related to the problem.
The action was taken after the FDA received an adverse event report related to the problem and the manufacturer conducted in-house and third-party microbial testing, which confirmed the presence of Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens, a type of bacteria, in lemon flavored oral magnesium citrate saline laxative solution.
All lots of Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Oral Solution Lemon Flavor 10 fl. oz manufactured in Vi-Jon’s Smyrna, TN, facility are impacted by the recall, which initially was limited to only one lot of CVS Magnesium Laxative solution when first announced last month. However, it has now been expanded to include nearly 30 store brands.
The microbial contamination can affect people with weakened immune systems who may face an increased risk for invasive infections that could lead to serious, life-threatening adverse health consequences.
To date, the FDA has received one report of adverse reaction potentially related to the recall. Vi-Jon is in the process of investigating the report as well as the source of the bacterial contamination. The product was distributed nationally to wholesale and retail outlets.
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Learn MoreThe laxative is used to relieve occasional constipation and generally produces bowel movement in 1/2 to six hours. It is packaged in a 10 oz clear round plastic bottle and includes brand names such as Best Choice, Care One, Cariba, Cruz Blanc, CVS, Discount Drug Mart, Equaline, Equate, Exchange Select, Family Wellness, Good Sense, Harris Teeter, HEB, Health Mart, Kroger, Leader, Major Meijer, Premier Value, Publix, Quality Choice, Recall, Rite Aid, Signature Care, Sound Body, Sunmark, Swan, Topcare, Up & Up, and Walgreens.
Consumer who have the recalled product should stop using it and return any remaining products to the place of purchase. Anyone who experiences any health problems linked to taking the product should contact a doctor immediately, the FDA recommends.
Vi-Jon is notifying customers by phone and email. The company is also arranging for a return or destruction of all recalled products.
Consumers can contact Vi-Jon with questions about the recall via email at recalls@Vijon.com. Adverse reactions or side effects should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
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39 Comments
BrendaApril 25, 2023 at 6:21 pm
There is absolutely no proof of anybody getting sick from magnesium citrate all the people above have had underline of issues. They're on chemo. They're on life support. They're on hospice. No, this is a much needed life-saving medication that needs to be restored on the store shelves immediately Where is the proof? Who is the person that they found all these microbes in from the contamination? T[Show More]There is absolutely no proof of anybody getting sick from magnesium citrate all the people above have had underline of issues. They're on chemo. They're on life support. They're on hospice. No, this is a much needed life-saving medication that needs to be restored on the store shelves immediately Where is the proof? Who is the person that they found all these microbes in from the contamination? There is not one any evidence I can see to support this stupid ridiculous action. This stuff is life saving medication and it was easily gotten until now. Thanks a lot
DianeJanuary 7, 2023 at 9:38 pm
My husband took this because he was having bowel issues due to chemo and the stool softener provided by the VA was not working. He took this and it helped him have a bowl movement then he got a fever and felt ill. Up until this he was mobile and able to shower unassisted. Then the next morning he got up and fell and I assumed it was the cancer and called hospice. He died 4 days later. I did not se[Show More]My husband took this because he was having bowel issues due to chemo and the stool softener provided by the VA was not working. He took this and it helped him have a bowl movement then he got a fever and felt ill. Up until this he was mobile and able to shower unassisted. Then the next morning he got up and fell and I assumed it was the cancer and called hospice. He died 4 days later. I did not see the message from Kroger until weeks after his passing. Was it due to mycobacterial infection raging thru his compromized body. I need answers.
brendaDecember 7, 2022 at 1:02 pm
I stocked up on medicines and this was one of them, I still have one bottle left and stopped taking it, I got very sick this summer after using it and still having stomach issues. I called walmart pharmacy about not having any in stock and was informed about the recall. Thank God I didn't finish the last bottle.
DonaldNovember 30, 2022 at 7:39 pm
I understand that people with immune issues are potentially harmed by this, but a recall based on this is ridiculous. There is an acronym I came up with, G.A.S., of products that also affect autoimmune systems. Glutton, Animal byproducts (Eggs, Milk & Meat), Sugars. I don't see these items being recalled along with canned foods, microwave foods, chips, cakes and candies. White flour and white ri[Show More]I understand that people with immune issues are potentially harmed by this, but a recall based on this is ridiculous. There is an acronym I came up with, G.A.S., of products that also affect autoimmune systems. Glutton, Animal byproducts (Eggs, Milk & Meat), Sugars. I don't see these items being recalled along with canned foods, microwave foods, chips, cakes and candies. White flour and white rice. The list is long, but the point is clear. Make an alternative for those with autoimmune and let them know on the label that the one you currently make is not healthy. I see cigarettes and liquor are still sold, so this should not be an issue. Also, when I drove around town trying to find Magnesium Citrate, I was told it was on back order, and apparently no one knew it had been recalled. I had to find out online.
RodneyOctober 29, 2022 at 2:11 am
Went to rite aid after having really bad constipation pharmacist says there was recal yet had one bottle left gave to me told me to purchase it at front cashier they sold it to me lemon flavor only drank 2-3 oz all my upset stomach could handle. But batch number and lot number on bottle fo not show recall on any website I gave seen and this bottle does not expire until 2024. Batch :0569323 exp[Show More]Went to rite aid after having really bad constipation pharmacist says there was recal yet had one bottle left gave to me told me to purchase it at front cashier they sold it to me lemon flavor only drank 2-3 oz all my upset stomach could handle. But batch number and lot number on bottle fo not show recall on any website I gave seen and this bottle does not expire until 2024. Batch :0569323 exp 05/11/2024 135 10:33 should I be worried
RobertOctober 27, 2022 at 12:26 pm
I drank a whole bottle of it that I bought a couple of months ago had it in medicine cabinet and I've been having lower abdomen pains ever since and a little bit of nausea it's got to be with this medicine that did it
JoyOctober 7, 2022 at 9:46 am
My stomach is burning lost of appetite and when I drank any beverages I get that burning sensation again can't sleep loosing weightd
MagidOctober 6, 2022 at 2:32 pm
Hello I drank this stuff too and got very sick dizzy lightheaded throwing up vomiting please contact me to see what my options are thank you
DavidSeptember 15, 2022 at 3:45 pm
I drank the lemon flavored and I have had bad headaches and a runny nose since worried about what the future effects may be. I only 58 and pretty healthy so yes I am scared and passed off over this. I did not ask for this
LawanaSeptember 9, 2022 at 9:38 am
Hello, I've been using this product for years off & on as needed. Lemon is my favorite flavor, so I would stock up on lemon flavor only. I've been doing good for the most part, but started having digestive issues recently. I've never had any issues with ulcers before but I was diagnosed with several. I'm just wondering is this bacteria you speak of strong enough to cause damage to the stomach lini[Show More]Hello, I've been using this product for years off & on as needed. Lemon is my favorite flavor, so I would stock up on lemon flavor only. I've been doing good for the most part, but started having digestive issues recently. I've never had any issues with ulcers before but I was diagnosed with several. I'm just wondering is this bacteria you speak of strong enough to cause damage to the stomach lining, because I've had no history of stomach lining damage until now. Please contact me asap & let me know thanks.
ConnieSeptember 9, 2022 at 5:29 am
I took a bottle and a half of this infected magnesium citrate and I am 68 years old and had neurogenic bowel bladder. But I am very very sick now and then diarrhea won’t stop and nausea. I can’t sleep because I’m up all night. I’m a widow and all alone. My own doctor didn’t even call me back so that I could find out what the symptoms were but my bowels and intestines are full of gas and diarrhea, [Show More]I took a bottle and a half of this infected magnesium citrate and I am 68 years old and had neurogenic bowel bladder. But I am very very sick now and then diarrhea won’t stop and nausea. I can’t sleep because I’m up all night. I’m a widow and all alone. My own doctor didn’t even call me back so that I could find out what the symptoms were but my bowels and intestines are full of gas and diarrhea, I’ve never experienced anything like this before with magnesium citrate.
AndieSeptember 1, 2022 at 12:53 pm
I have been sick since consuming this product July 19th. I have not worked since due to constant nausea. I reached out to the company but was given the runaround. They provided me with a case number and sent me on my way. I emailed them again this morning, and I was sent an automatic reply giving me faqs that are obviously known by most consumers. Sign me up and please let me know what I should d[Show More]I have been sick since consuming this product July 19th. I have not worked since due to constant nausea. I reached out to the company but was given the runaround. They provided me with a case number and sent me on my way. I emailed them again this morning, and I was sent an automatic reply giving me faqs that are obviously known by most consumers. Sign me up and please let me know what I should do. I'm tired of this company ignoring what we have a right to know.
670952August 31, 2022 at 5:38 pm
I have used this product for over a year and have had no harmful symptoms. When is it going to be back on the shelves?
RolondoAugust 18, 2022 at 8:37 am
I took the medicine on July 16th and it made me go to the bathroom but it caused me kidney problems by making it hard to urinate . It burned everytime I urinate and came out dark yellow . I have other issues since taking the meds that I will address to my Dr
RachelAugust 11, 2022 at 10:53 pm
Does anyone know how long it will take symptoms to show up? My daughter had two bottles of this stuff and we got cherry because originally, it was ONLY lemon and the other flavors were fine. Then I get a call today that cherry is ALSO being recalled for the same problem. And I can't find anything about symptoms or incubation time... I don't want to jump at shadows, but I also don't want [Show More]Does anyone know how long it will take symptoms to show up? My daughter had two bottles of this stuff and we got cherry because originally, it was ONLY lemon and the other flavors were fine. Then I get a call today that cherry is ALSO being recalled for the same problem. And I can't find anything about symptoms or incubation time... I don't want to jump at shadows, but I also don't want to ignore something might be something much more serious either.
SavanahAugust 11, 2022 at 2:04 pm
I have been having extreme issues for nearly 2 months with my GI / stomach. Experiencing nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and severe stomach pains daily. I am on medication now and my GI doctor says I have Post Infectious IBS. She said I should start feeling better after taking this medication for 30 days. 15+ days in and I am still feeling the same way. Unable to stomach most foods as well. Been to the[Show More]I have been having extreme issues for nearly 2 months with my GI / stomach. Experiencing nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and severe stomach pains daily. I am on medication now and my GI doctor says I have Post Infectious IBS. She said I should start feeling better after taking this medication for 30 days. 15+ days in and I am still feeling the same way. Unable to stomach most foods as well. Been to the ER 4 times, primary 3 times, GI doctor - I am only 26 and have never had any issues like this. Taken the laxative before without a reaction so this is definitely related to the bacteria found in the product
JoetteAugust 9, 2022 at 7:32 pm
I consumed this product and have felt dizzy, atomic upset and over all don't seem to be able to get back to normal.
LorenaAugust 6, 2022 at 6:10 pm
Went to ER....for leg swelling and turning red. Nauseated and dizzy. Learned I have a bacterial infection. I had used the laxative a few days prior. Was sick, sick, sick, but didn't know why. As a diabetic, I went to ER because my leg had swelled to the size of two legs. Labs showed bacterial infection. Dr. said I was wise to have come in when I did.
BAugust 5, 2022 at 11:51 am
Recently listened to a missed a voice mail regarding the recall. Consumed entire bottle for Colonoscopy 6/27/22. Never had a reaction like this from meds for this procedure. Created excruciating stomach pain, vomiting & was sick for more than a week. I'd like to know if I should be on some kind of antibiotic or if there is any long term bacterial affects from this. I know many forms of bacteri[Show More]Recently listened to a missed a voice mail regarding the recall. Consumed entire bottle for Colonoscopy 6/27/22. Never had a reaction like this from meds for this procedure. Created excruciating stomach pain, vomiting & was sick for more than a week. I'd like to know if I should be on some kind of antibiotic or if there is any long term bacterial affects from this. I know many forms of bacteria lay dormant or are difficult to detect w/out specific testing.
JadeAugust 4, 2022 at 12:24 am
Drank an entire bottle prepared for a long trip to the bathroom it never happened I just got very nauseous and vomited a few hours later extremely bad head ache
BrandonAugust 3, 2022 at 1:00 pm
I'm a keep it real...Swan citrate magnesium was saving my life! I would drink 1 bottle of Swan every month to clean my colon and to Stop my lower back pain go away, I couldn't get my prescription (Percocets) anymore...Swan was the solution! Please get that back on the counter at DollarTree!!!!!!!!!!
DouglasAugust 3, 2022 at 12:03 pm
I have a friend that bought lots of this due to some issues. he is now in a hospital on day 7 with renal failure. I am sure this has a connection from drinking this over the counter liquid prescribed by doctors bought at Kroger. The last batch I bought for him and found out when I got an automated call from kroger saying I had bought some of this in the range of dates. He went downhill 3 weeks [Show More]I have a friend that bought lots of this due to some issues. he is now in a hospital on day 7 with renal failure. I am sure this has a connection from drinking this over the counter liquid prescribed by doctors bought at Kroger. The last batch I bought for him and found out when I got an automated call from kroger saying I had bought some of this in the range of dates. He went downhill 3 weeks ago and nobody could figure this out until some bleeding from a bladder stone lithotripsy landed him in the ER with half the blood in a normal human and kidney failure. HE had a renal biopsy yesterday 8/2/22, i have contact some law firms but no body seems to know about this case. Douglas Morgan
DallisAugust 2, 2022 at 6:38 pm
I read that there was ONLY ONE reported case of adverse reaction. Odd that they recall this product after 1 case but not the Covid vaccines after THOUSANDS of adverse reactions.
DelmerAugust 2, 2022 at 2:16 pm
When to ER after taking this medication pass out in shower spent 16 hours there broke my nose had a head injury and had to cancel surgery for removal of cancerous right kidney been out of work 12 days
ElJuly 31, 2022 at 11:16 am
If you noticed in the article it said there was only ONE reported possible adverse effect linked to this bacteria. Also most recalls have a lot # listed. I find this whole recall suspicious. If you’ve taken the laxative already and have not had any issues there shouldn’t be any reason for concern. This product does not stay in your system. We are being feed lies. BTW magnesium citrate is a liquid [Show More]If you noticed in the article it said there was only ONE reported possible adverse effect linked to this bacteria. Also most recalls have a lot # listed. I find this whole recall suspicious. If you’ve taken the laxative already and have not had any issues there shouldn’t be any reason for concern. This product does not stay in your system. We are being feed lies. BTW magnesium citrate is a liquid laxative. It is supposed to produce bowel movements, gas, cramps, bloating and diarrhea. I take it all the time for chronic constipation.
DeborahJuly 29, 2022 at 12:13 am
I had to take the whole 10 oz bottle of the Cherry kind the day of the recall for my colonoscopy the next day. While standing in line at Walgreens it came across my smart phone. So I ask pharmacist about it. She said it was lemon flavor only. I thought I read the day after my colonoscopy it was all flavors. Now I am worried about the outcome of drinking the bottle of cherry flavored.
MarcJuly 28, 2022 at 2:29 pm
I been taking this products for extended periods. I was told it was safe. It helped me constipation problems. Lately I have been nauseating snd dizzy with stomach problems. Please advise
sidneyJuly 27, 2022 at 9:12 pm
i took equate both flavors (wild cherry & lemon) and 1 flavor cherry from winn-dixie both i don't remeber the brand name. all made me feel off balance & week. they did eventually help me poop.
BrettJuly 27, 2022 at 6:01 pm
I got the recall voicemail yesterday, I drank a bottle this month and felt really sick. I’m concerned if this bacteria will cause any future health issues. Is there anything I can do about this legally?
BernardJuly 27, 2022 at 4:30 pm
When will new batches be sent ojut
JaniceJuly 27, 2022 at 12:04 pm
Well I guess I'm going to have to put off my colonoscopy. I can't do the Dulcolaxide tablets so hopefully this will be back in production soon
CindyJuly 26, 2022 at 9:39 pm
I bought this for my husband and he got sick from it and really hasn't felt good since. We need to know the symptoms of what this can cause.
GinnyJuly 23, 2022 at 10:08 am
What are the effects after drinking this and how soon are they?
JeannineJuly 20, 2022 at 9:49 pm
I take this product for migraine management. How do I know if any of my various symptoms or issues are related. I can’t find any list anywhere.
JoanneJuly 20, 2022 at 7:03 pm
Bought equate, took on Friday night . Been feeling bad ever since. Got recall message yesterday, feeling to bad to go to emergency room today, afraid I may go on myself. Lots of gas and irritability. Will definitely be going to to the ER tomorrow. This is crazy 🤪.
DawnJuly 20, 2022 at 3:40 pm
I had to drink thin because I’m anemic and my iron pills plug me up. I have been sick not knowing what was wrong with me. Thought I had covid but after 6 negative covid test it’s not covid. I still feel horrible this is not cool.
SandraJuly 20, 2022 at 8:08 am
I drank 2 while bottle s for a colonoscopy prep Lemon Equate brand from Walmart Nausea,head ache,pain? Thanks you guys
TJuly 19, 2022 at 7:58 pm
The Item that I purchased has been recalled
PatsyJuly 18, 2022 at 8:07 pm
Where do I find the right #, to Identify whether or not my bottles are recalled ?