Health Canada recalls nasal spray over possible bacterial contamination (2024)

FAQs

Which nasal sprays have been recalled? ›

The agency issued multiple recalls Thursday for all lots of Life Brand long-lasting decongestant nasal spray (15 millilitres) and the 20-millilitre decongestant nasal spray. “Affected lots may be labelled with the incorrect drug facts table found on the back panel of the bottle,” Health Canada said.

Summary: Infection control researchers investigating a rare bacterial outbreak of Burholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) identified contaminated nasal spray as the root cause of the infections, leading to a national recall of the product.

Drug company Apotex is recalling two lots of its prescription nasal spray because of possible bacterial contamination.

Health Canada is advising that Apotex is recalling two lots of mometasone furoate aqueous nasal spray (APO-Mometasone) due to possible bacterial contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc). The recalled lots are TX5343 and TZ2586, which have expiry dates of Sep 2025 and Oct 2025, respectively.

The nasal spray has been found to contain small glass particles which could block the actuator and impact the functionality of the pump. There is a potential for patients to be exposed to the glass particles and mechanical irritation cannot be ruled out.

Nasal sprays containing either oxymetazoline or phenylephrine are the rebound congestion-inducing nasal sprays to use with caution. If a nasal spray contains either of these active ingredients, be sure to use only as directed on the label — three days or less.

However, because melons are grown close to the ground their rind can become contaminated. Eating melons that are contaminated with harmful bacteria can make you sick. Contaminated melons, especially cantaloupe, have been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks caused by bacteria, such as Salmonella.

The recall includes Walgreens brand acetaminophen labeled Easy Open for Adults, Pain Reliever, Fever Reducer, Extra Strength, 500 mg in 150-caplet bottles. They were sold nationwide from October 2021 through April 2022. The UPC number is 311917218090.

Class I Recalls by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are the most severe type of FDA recall. In a Class-I recall there is a potential for serious injury or death.

Nasal steroid spray bottle tips can become contaminated with sinonasal cavity bacteria. Simple sterilisation methods can eliminate this contamination.

Can Flonase cause bacterial infections? ›

You may get infections more easily while using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have been exposed to someone with chickenpox or measles. Also tell your doctor if you develop white patches or sores in your nose while you are using this medicine. This could be symptoms of a candida or yeast infection.

Very few people have serious side effects when using mometasone nasal spray. You're more likely to have a serious side effect if you use high doses of mometasone for more than a few months.

CDC has been notified of a voluntary recall of over-the-counter oxymetazoline HCl 0.05% nasal spray because of intrinsic contamination with Burkholderia cepacia complex. The nasal spray is distributed as "Major Twice-A-Day 12 Hour Nasal Spray." The manufacturer (Propharma Inc., Miami, Florida) has recalled lot no.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals is voluntarily recalling Ocean Saline Nasal Spray 1.5 fl. oz. and 3.5 fl. oz.

Nasal steroids sprays (Flonase®, Nasocort®, Nasonex®, etc. ) are safe to use on a daily basis and are now largely over-the-counter. These sprays are non-addictive and typically do not cause any long term changes to the nasal passages.