Something you bought was just recalled. What does that mean?
What happens when something you purchase is recalled? Is it voluntary or mandatory? And what does it mean for you?
A pharmaceutical company has expanded a recall on nasal spray products because of possible yeast, mold and microbial contamination, which could lead to infections.
MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. issued the latest recall on Tuesday, Dec. 16, just a week after the company recalled one lot of ReBoost Nasal Spray. The latest recall includes all lots of the ReBoost Nasal Spray, as well as ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray.
According to the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based company, the ReBoost spray has been found to contain yeast or mold, as well as microbial contamination. The ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray has been found to contain microbial contamination that may be linked to the same bacteria as the ReBoost brand.
“There is a reasonable probability that adverse health consequences including life-threatening infections will occur with use of the product in the immuno-compromised population,” MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. said in the notice published on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website on Tuesday, Dec. 16.
According to MediNatura New Mexico, there have been no reports of injuries related to the recall.
USA TODAY contacted MediNatura New Mexico on Wednesday, Dec. 17, but has not received a response.
Here’s what to know about the initial recall and the recent expansion.
Where was the recalled nasal spray sold?
The recalled products were sold nationwide through retail and online sales at www.medinatura.com.
ReBoost Nasal Spray is used to treat nasal congestion, sinus headache and pressure, postnasal drip, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching, according to MediNatura New Mexico.
ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray is used to treat minor allergy symptoms, such as sinus pressure, runny or itchy nose, nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, allergy-related headaches, as well as itchy throat and skin.
Which products have been recalled?
ReBoost Nasal Spray
Packaged in a 20 milliliter bottleSold in a white and yellow cartonNational Drug Code (NDC) – 62795-4005-9Universal Product Code (UPC) – 787647 10186 3Expiration dates – December 2022 to December 2025
ClearLife Allergy Nasal Spray
Packaged in a 20 milliliter bottleSold in a white and green cartonNational Drug Code (NDC) – 62795-4006-9Universal Product Code (UPC) – 787647 10188 7Expiration dates – December 2022 to December 2025What should I do if I have the products?
According to MediNatura New Mexico, all customers should immediately discontinue using the recalled nasal sprays.
Those who purchased products directly from MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. should contact the company at recall@medinatura.com to get a refund. Those who bought the recalled products in stores should return them to those retail locations for a refund.
Those who have used the products and experienced issues should see a doctor, the company said. They can report adverse reactions or quality issues to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program by:
Customers with questions can contact MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. at (800) 621-7644, Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. MT and 5 p.m. MT. Customers can also email recall@medinatura.com.
Those wanting information on the initial recall can visit www.tinyurl.com/MediNaturaRecall1. For information on the Dec. 16 recall, visit www.tinyurl.com/MediNaturaRecall2.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.