The FDA warns the over-the-counter spray could result in "adverse health consequences," including the risk of life-threatening infections.
If you’ve recently down with a cold or have a stuffy nose due to allergies, join the crowd. In those frustrating moments when congestion feels all-encompassing, reaching for a nasal spray from the medicine cabinet is often the go-to move. But one brand’s over-the-counter spray, widely available at retailers and online nationwide, was just recalled due to “microbial contamination,” according to a recall notice from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Per the December 10 report posted by the agency, MediNatura New Mexico, Inc. has voluntarily recalled one lot of its ReBoost Nasal Spray. The nasal spray was found to “contain yeast/mold and microbial contamination with one species identified as Achromobacter, at levels above specifications,” according to the notice. The recalled nasal spray was sold across the U.S. at retailers—and a brief search suggests it may have been available in popular retailers such as Walmart and CVS. It could also be ordered online through Amazon or directly from the MediNatura website.
The spray, packaged in a 20-milliliter (mL) bottle inside a white and yellow carton, is described as a homeopathic product to “temporarily relieve nasal congestion, sinus headache and pressure, postnasal drip, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal itching.”
The recalled spray can be identified as follows:
ReBoost Nasal Spray
- National Drug Code (NDC) number: 62795-4005-9
- UPC #: 787647 10186 3
- Lot number: 224268
- Expiration date: 12/2027
No adverse reactions have been reported, though the company notes that there is a “reasonable probability” that adverse health consequences could occur—including life-threatening infection—for those who are immunocompromised. The Journal of Clinical Microbiology describes Achromobacter as “a rare but important genus of bacteria that tends to cause infection in those with cystic fibrosis, recurrent healthcare exposures, and/or an immunocompromising condition.”
MediNatura, based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but with a manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a maker of homeopathic products such as cold and flu remedies, digestive formulas to relieve bloating and upset, and pain relief products. A product page lists the main ingredient in ReBoost Nasal Spray as echinacea, which the company claims is “known to provide decongestion and reduce post-nasal drip.”
According to the FDA notice, MediNatura is urging consumers who purchased a recalled nasal spray to stop using it immediately and return it to their place of purchase for a full refund—or contact MediNatura directly at recall [at] medinatura.com to arrange a refund. Additionally, “Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.”
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