Three lots of Vicks Sinex nasal spray are being recalled in the United States, United Kingdom and Germany because of potential contamination with the bacteria, B. cepacia. According to a recall notice issued by Proctor & Gamble, B. cepacia has been found in some of the product made at its plant in Gross Gerau, Germany, and in a small amount of Vicks Sinex nasal spray from the recalled lot sold in the States.
There have been no reports of illness. However, the bacteria could cause serious infections for individuals with a compromised immune system, or those with chronic lung conditions, such as cystic fibrosis. B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy individuals.
The three lots of Vicks Sinex nasal spray being recalled are:
- United States: Lot # 9239028831; Product Name: Vicks Sinex Vapospray 12-Hour Decongestant Ultra Fine Mist, 15 ml., Nasal Spray
- United Kingdom: Lot # 9224028832l; Product Name: Vicks Sinex Micromist Aqueous Nasal Spray Solution, 15 ml
- Germany: Lot # 9224028833; Product Name: Wick Sinex Schnupfenspray Dosiersystem, 15 ml
The lot number is listed on both the outer carton and the bottle.
Proctor & Gamble is removing the product in question from store shelves and has informed regulatory authorities in the affected countries. Consumers have been advised to discard the affected product as they would any OTC medicine.
Anyone who has these specific lots of Vicks Sinex nasal spray can call Proctor & Gamble for a replacement coupon or refund at the following numbers:
- From the United States, please call: 1.877.876.7881 (Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 9AM – 6PM US ET, Saturday – Sunday, 9AM – 4PM US ET)
- From the United Kingdom, please call: 0800.5555.15 (Hours of operation: 19 November, 4PM – 9PM local time and will continue Monday – Friday, 8AM – 6PM local time, Saturday – Sunday, 9AM – 5PM local time)
- From Germany, please call: 0800.111.6131 (Hours of operation: 19 November, 4PM – 9PM local time and will continue Monday – Friday, 8AM – 6PM local time, Saturday – Sunday, 9AM – 5PM local time
