Matrixx Initiatives has voluntarily recalled a single lot of Zicam Extreme Congestion Relief nasal gel spray due to contamination with Burkholderia cepacia in a single sample. Zicam is a homeopathic product available over the counter in the US.
The affected lot, which was distributed to retailers throughout the US, is number 2J23. The 0.5 oz spray bottles are packaged in cartons with the National Drug Code number 62750-005-10 and an expiration date of 09/15.
According to the company, it has received no reports of illness to date, and Burkholderia cepacia poses little risk to healthy individuals; however, the antibiotic-resistant bacteria could cause stubborn infections in cystic fibrosis patients or others with compromised immune systems.
Matrixx is asking patients to stop using the product and to contact the company for a full refund.
In 2009, the FDA issued a warning on Zicam intranasal products, which then contained zinc, after a number of patients reported losing their sense of smell.
Read the Matrixx press release.
