A nationwide recall for Robitussin is issued after the cough medicine was found to be contaminated with a FUNG that can cause potentially life-threatening infections
Hundreds of bottles of one of America’s most popular cough syrups have been recalled nationwide because they are contaminated with a potentially life-threatening fungus.
People who purchased Robitussin adult cough syrup from eight lots are urged not to use the product and immediately return it to the seller for a refund.
Manufacturer Haleon, based in New Jersey, said healthy people were at little risk of infection from the contaminated product.
But they warned that people with weaker immune systems could develop a yeast infection or fungemia – a potentially fatal condition in which a fungus or yeast invades the bloodstream.
It’s just the latest episode of drug contamination in the US, after dozens of people lost their vision last year from using contaminated eye drops. Four people also died.
Robitussin honey cough syrup for adults, such as the daytime version (left) and the nighttime version (right), is being recalled in the US. The manufacturer said there were eight lots distributed nationally
Haleon said no infections or side effects associated with the contaminated cough syrup have been reported to date.
The recall affects eight lots of the syrup, labeled: T10810, T08730, T08731, T08732, T08733, T10808, T08740 and T08742.
Customers can find the lot number on the medicine bottle by looking under the label on the back.
People can find the lot number, which indicates whether their medicine has been recalled, on the back of the bottle
The recalled Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult was sold in 4 oz and 8 oz bottles, while the recalled Robitussin Honey CF Max NT Adult was only sold in 4 oz bottles.
They have expiration dates ranging from May 2025 to June 2026.
Other Robitussin products were not affected by the recall.
Previous cough medicines were contaminated with Candida albicans – a common fungus often linked to vaginal infections.
Experts say this can end up in medications on the production line if the products are prepared in an environment that is not properly sterilized.
This can be caused by ventilation systems not working properly or by employees not wearing the correct protective equipment.
There is also a small risk that the honey used in the medicine has caused contamination, although this normally has strong antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Haleon did not say how the contamination was discovered, but it was likely through routine testing.
The company said in a statement: ‘(We) are directly notifying distributors and customers and have provided them with instructions on how to return all recalled products.
“Consumers who have purchased the said product should immediately discontinue consumption.”
They added: ‘If they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this product, consumers should contact their doctor or healthcare provider.’
Robitussin cough syrup is among the most popular in America, with Amazon listing it as the number one seller for the category.
The drug is used by patients suffering from coughs and colds and helps relieve uncomfortable symptoms for hours.
It is available without a prescription and contains the drugs dextromethorphan – which works by reducing activity in the area of the brain that causes coughing – and guaifenesin – which thins phlegm and phlegm in the lungs and helps clear the chest.
The above factory is one of the factories involved in the eye drop recall. All eye drops manufactured by Kilitch Healthcare India Limited have been recalled due to safety concerns after harmful bacteria were identified at the facility
Just two months ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the recall of yet another brand of eye drops due to contamination – bringing the total to 27.
The products were sold in leading stores including CVS, Rite Aid, Target and Walmart.
But after an inspection at an undisclosed factory in India, the FDA raised concerns that the droplets could be contaminated with microbes that can cause blindness and even a fatal infection.
The droplets are believed to be contaminated with the drug-resistant bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa.
This can cause an infection in the user’s eyes, with warning signs such as discharge from the eye, pain or discomfort, redness and feeling as if something is in the eyes.