CDC HEALTH ADVISORY
MARCH 24, 2004

Manufacturer’s Recall of Nasal Spray Contaminated with Burkholderia cepacia Complex

Clinicians should be aware that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been notified of a voluntary recall of over-the-counter oxymetazoline HCL 0.05% nasal spray because of intrinsic contamination with B. cepacia complex.  Patients with underlying lung disease (especially cystic fibrosis) may be at increased risk for severe infections with B. cepacia complex. 

The manufacturer, Propharma Inc., has recalled lot# K4496 released 11/03 with an expiration date of 10/06.  Preliminary molecular epidemiology indicates that isolates related to the strain found in the nasal spray have been recovered from patients in multiple states. 

CDC is assisting the state of Missouri, investigating several cases of B. cepacia that have been identified in one hospital, to examine the impact of the recalled product on patient safety and the potential spread of B. cepacia within the healthcare setting.

Disease symptoms and characteristics

B. cepacia is a multidrug-resistant organism and management of patients with these bacteria should be in accordance with hospital policy for infection control and isolation precautions. B. cepacia poses very little medical risks to healthy people; however, people whose health is otherwise compromised may be more susceptible.  If individuals have used this product and are concerned they should contact their healthcare provider.

B. cepacia consists of several species, or a complex, of bacteria, that are found in the natural environment. Some of these species threaten the health of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is important to note that in general, the species that colonize the lungs of people with CF differ from most of those found in the natural environment. However, all species of B. cepacia have been recovered from the sputum of people with CF; these bacteria were only first reported in people with CF in the 1970s.

B. cepacia bacteria are able to survive in the environment or in the lungs of a person with CF. They are resistant to most common cleaning disinfectants and to many antibiotics, which makes them difficult to treat once they infect the lungs. However, some species may be successfully treated with combinations of antibiotics. Standard health precautions greatly reduce the risk of infection.

Cases of B. cepacia complex infection or colonization associated with use of this product should be reported to the local or state health department and CDC at (800) 893-0485.

Categories of CDC Health Alert messages:
Health Alert: conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention.
Health Advisory: provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action.
Health Update: provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action.

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