Sterimar Isotonic nasal spray recalled by MHRA

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recalled a nasal spray after it was found to be contaminated with bacteria.

Two batches of the Sterimar Isotonic nasal spray, which is most commonly used to alleviate the symptoms of colds and allergies, have been removed from sale in shops and pharmacies in the UK.

That’s after it was discovered that they contained certain types of bacteria which are commonly found in soil, water and hospitals.

Health experts are now warning that using the contaminated nasal spray could cause feverish symptoms, tenderness in the face and nose and unsightly discoloured mucus.

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However, they have said it is those with weakened immune systems and existing problems with their sinuses and nasal passages that are most at risk of being affected by the contaminated sprays, along with people who have recently undergone surgical procedures.  

It has also been noted that the two types of bacteria that were identified in the nasal sprays - Pseudomonas stutzeri and Sphingomonas paucimobilis – rarely cause infections in humans.

The two batches affected by the recall are FE1248b and FE1249 and the batch numbers can be found on the base of individual cans and on their packaging.  

It is suspected that over 3,000 cans of the Sterimar spray have been affected by Friday’s recall and although some are accounted for, there are still over 2,400 cans that need to be found.

Commenting on the recall, a spokesperson for Church & Dwight UK, the manufacturer of Sterimar Isotonic sprays, said: “As a company we constantly test our products.

“It does not mean there are risks but it means it is a level we are not comfortable to be in the market so we quarantine that.

“Unfortunately on this occasion it was mistakenly released onto the supply chain,” they added.

“If anyone has any unusual symptoms they should speak to their GP.

“But we do think the risk here is very low.”

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