CVS nasal spray recall: Sinus relief product may cause deadly infection

Nathan Bomey | USA TODAY

A nasal spray sold under the CVS Health brand is being recalled because it may lead to life-threatening infections for certain patients, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Product Quest Manufacturing, maker of the CVS Health 12 Hour Sinus Relief Nasal Mist, has issued a voluntary recall for the product after discovering what it called a "microbiological contamination."

The Holly Hill, Florida-based maker of the clear, colorless liquid said it had not identified any incidents connected to the product, which was sold at many of CVS' nearly 10,000 locations.

"Repetitive use of a nasal spray containing a gram-negative pathogen can potentially lead to colonization and subsequent infection which can be life threatening in certain patient populations, such as those with cystic fibrosis or immuno-compromised," according to the recall statement.

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The treatment, which comes in a 0.5-fluid-ounce white bottle inside an orange box, is used as a nasal decongestant.

The recall covers 16,896 packages with the UPC code 50428432365 and an expiration date of September 2019.

Product Quest urged customers to return the nasal spray to a CVS store or to discard it.

CVS said the recall applies to products bought on or after Oct. 1, 2017.

"CVS Pharmacy is committed to assuring that the products we offer are safe, work as intended, comply with regulations and satisfy customers," the company said in a statement.

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Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.