Vicks VapoSpray and Sinex Nasal Spray Recall Issued for Decongestants

A recall has been issued for Vicks 4-hour Decongestant Nasal Spray, which has been marketed as VapoSpray and Sinex Nasal Spray, due to fears that the formula in the bottles may not meet its expiration date. 

The Vicks nasal spray recall was announced on June 24 by the FDA and Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer. The recall came after a discovery by the company that the formula used in the Vicks Vapospray may not last long enough to meet the expiration dates printed on the packages. There have been no injuries or illnesses reported in connection with the recall.

The recall affects all Vicks 4-Hour Nasal Spray by Sinex. They have a UPC code of 3 23900 00082 7. The nasal spray was sold before June 2009 as Vicks Sinex Nasal Spray in a spray with the same UPC code. It was also sold in a Ultra Fine Mist version with a UPC Code of 3 23900 00085 8. The recall affects all of the nasal sprays with an expiration date prior to June 2013.

Procter and Gamble is pulling the products from store shelves nationwide in what is the most recent in a string of large over-the-counter drug recalls in recent months.

Late last year, a Tylenol recall was issued by Johnson & Johnson due to chemical contamination from pesticide used on wood pallets. The recall affected products in the Tylenol, Benadryl, Motrin and Rolaids labels. Earlier this year, Johnson and Johnson also issued a massive children’s liquid medication recall that affected 136 million bottles of children’s medication and resulted in the shutdown of the company’s Ft. Washington, Pennsylvania, production plant.

The recent recalls have started some lawmakers to begin pushing for expanded FDA powers, including increased inspection and drug recall powers.

Procter & Gamble is asking consumers who have purchased the recalled Vicks nasal spray to throw the products away. Consumers can request a replacement coupon or refund by contacting the company at 1(877)340-8853.