Two distinct nationwide recalls have been issued for popular nasal spray products due to potential microbial contamination. Consumers are urged to check their medicine cabinets immediately for these products, as both recalls carry significant health implications, ranging from temporary effects to potentially life-threatening infections for vulnerable individuals.

One of the products under recall is the Walgreens Saline Nasal Spray with Xylitol. More than 40,000 bottles of this product have been recalled nationwide after testing revealed the presence of Pseudomonas lactis, a bacterium commonly associated with raw milk products. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated this recall on November 11 and subsequently assigned it a Class II risk level on November 21. A Class II recall signifies that while the possibility of serious health consequences is remote, there is a chance of temporary or reversible adverse health effects.

The recalled Walgreens nasal spray, produced by Medical Products Laboratories, Inc., comes in a 1.5 oz (45 mL) bottle. Consumers can identify the affected products by specific lot codes: 71409, which expires on February 28, 2027, and 71861, with an expiration date of August 31, 2027. The manufacturer voluntarily initiated this recall due to the "microbial contamination." For those who possess the recalled Walgreens product, the safest course of action is to cease use immediately and either dispose of it or return it to the place of purchase.

In a separate and distinct recall, one lot of ReBoost Nasal Spray has also been flagged for nationwide recall. This product was found to contain yeast/mold and other microbials, including unsafe levels of the bacteria Achromobacter. The FDA announced this recall, emphasizing the potential for adverse health consequences, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems, where it could lead to serious, even life-threatening, infections. To date, however, no illnesses related to the ReBoost Nasal Spray have been reported.

The recalled ReBoost Nasal Spray, manufactured by MediNatura New Mexico Inc., is sold in a 0.68 fl oz (20 mL) bottle. Consumers can identify the specific lot by its NDC: 62795-4005-9, UPC: 787647 10186 3, lot number: 224268, and an expiration date of December 2027. This product was distributed nationwide through various retailers and online via the MediNatura website.

For individuals who have purchased the ReBoost Nasal Spray with the identified lot number, it is crucial to discontinue use. Products bought from a store should be returned for a refund, while those purchased directly from the MediNatura website require emailing [email protected] to arrange a refund. In both recall scenarios, if consumers believe they have used a contaminated nasal spray and begin to experience health problems, they should promptly contact a healthcare provider. Additionally, adverse events related to recalled products can be reported to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.