Popular Cough Syrup Recalled Due to 'Microbial Contamination'

A popular over-the-counter cough syrup has been recalled due to microbial contamination.

Haleon, the company that manufactures cough and cold medicines under the brand name, Robitussin, has issued a recall for several lots of its products.

Risk Factors of "Microbial Contamination"

The recall has been issued due to "microbial contamination." In the recall shared by the Food and Drug Administrion, Haleon says that those who are immunocompromised are most at risk if using the contaminated products. However, they say that those who are not immunocompromised may still be at risk of infection.

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In immunocompromised individuals, the use of the affected product could potentially result in severe or life-threatening adverse events such as fungemia or disseminated fungal infection. In non-immunocompromised consumers, the population most likely to use the product, life-threatening infections are not likely to occur. However, the occurrence of an infection that may necessitate medical intervention cannot be completely ruled out. - FDA

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How Does a Fungal Infection Affect the Body

Fungal infections, also called mycosis, typically affect your skin, nails, hair, and mucous membranes. However, fungal infections can also impact other parts of the body, including your lungs, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Fungal infections, or mycosis, are diseases caused by a fungus (yeast or mold). Fungal infections are most common on your skin or nails, but fungi (plural of fungus) can also cause infections in your mouth, throat, lungs, urinary tract and many other parts of your body. - Cleveland Clinic

What is Fungemia

Fungemia occurs when the blood becomes infected with fungi or yeast.

What is Disseminated Infection

A disseminated infection occurs when an infection spreads from its original location to other parts of the body.

While there are systemic infections that can affect the entire body at once, doctors will reserve the term for those infections that are normally constrained to a specific site. Dissemination is used to describe a serious progression of a disease wherein the ability to contain the infection is far more difficult. - Very Well

FDA

Recalled Robitussin Products

The Haleon products covered under the recall include certain lot numbers of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult. The over-the-counter products are used to treat symptoms of flu, cold, hay fever, or other respiratory allergies. The lot numbers impacted by the recall are listed below.

FDA

What To Do If You Have These Products at Home

If you have these products at home, you should stop taking them immediately. Haleon asks consumers to contact their Consumer Relations team by calling 1-800-245-1040 (Monday through Friday 8 AM to 6 PM Eastern Time) or email mystory.us@haleon.com. They advise that consumers should contact their medical provider if problems that may be associated with taking these products. To learn more visit FDA.gov.