Urgent nationwide recall for OTC cold meds amid fears they could cause fatal fungal BRAIN infections
Officials have issued a recall for multiple cold remedy nasal swabs over fears of a fungi contamination that can cause deadly infections.
The Food and Drug Administration has asked consumers to stop using Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs immediately.
According to manufacturer Church & Dwight Co., the cotton swab parts of each individual product may have a 'potential microbial contamination identified as fungi'.
Officials warn that if used, the possible fungi contamination can cause serious and life-threatening blood infections in patients.
The federal agency also noted that children and adults with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions were at the highest risk of developing a fatal infection.
Because the swabs are insert deep in the nose, there is a risk the infection could travel to the brain.
While it remains unclear which fungi has been found in the products, they can enter the body through contaminated medical products such as swabs, surgical procedures or simply through air and cause blood infections.
The FDA has asked consumers to throw away both Zicam products with lot numbers 732216301205 and 732216301656 and Orajel products with number 310310400002.
The agency has also asked consumers to reach out to the manufacturer for a full refund.
As of now, no reports of illness or death have been revealed by the agency.
The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the United States and in Puerto Rico.
While Zicam Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs and Orajel Baby Teething Swabs continue to be sold and available in pharmacies, Zicam Nasal AllClear Swabs were discontinued in December 2024.
Additionally, the FDA assured consumers that all other Zicam and Orajel products, including Zicam RapidMelts are safe to use to cure colds.
Both of the recalled Zicam nasal swabs are meant to soothe and shorten the duration of a cold by rubbing the gel-covered cotton part of the swab inside each nostril.
According to the company's website, the gel formula covering the swabs contain plant-based active ingredients including Galphimia glauca, Luffa operculata and Sabadilla.
Similarly, the Orajel Baby Teething Swabs are used to to help soothe infants who may be teething, upset, cranky or fussy.
However in this case, rubbing the contaminated part of swab inside your nostril or inside the mouth may introduce the fungi into your bloodstream and cause an infection.
To fight the infection, the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream that can cause widespread inflammation in the body.
This can lead to sepsis - which can cause damage to tissues, organ failure and death.
Treatment for a blood infection typically involves antifungal medications.
In a statement, the FDA explained: 'Swabs found to contain microbial contamination can potentially present a significant risk to the health and safety of consumers including serious and life-threatening blood infections in users whose nasal mucosa may be compromised due to inflammation and mechanical injuries.'
Typical symptoms of a fungi-caused blood infection include fever, chills, lethargy, and pain. If left untreated, it can lead to organ failure and in certain cases, death.
In the US, the most common fungus known to cause bloodstream infections is Candida. About 25,000 Americans suffer from candida blood infections every year.
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