Eight batches of cough syrup in the United States have been recalled by British healthcare company Haleon, which has cited microbial contamination and risk to immunocompromised individuals.
The voluntary nationwide recall relates to Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Night-time Adult, with expiration dates from October 2025 to June 2026.
The company said it has not received any reports of adverse events related to the recall, reports The Guardian.
Robitussin is advertised to soothe sore throats and alleviate cough and flu symptoms.
Haleon said immunocompromised individuals risked severe or life-threatening adverse events, such as fungemia – the presence of fungi or yeasts in the blood – if they use the products.
Symptoms of fungemia include chronic fatigue, severe confusion, non-healing and persistent lesions and wounds, unusual and irregular discharge, and sweating and itching.
Use of the products by immunocompromised individuals could also potentially lead to disseminated fungal infections, when a fungus spreads throughout the body, causing issues including skin ulcers, abscesses, fever, bone lesions or meningitis.
For non-immunocompromised individuals, life-threatening infections are unlikely, but Haleon said “an infection that may necessitate medical intervention cannot be completely ruled out”.
There have been at least four drug recalls in the US recently, including lubricant eye drops, various IV bags and Zenzedi or dextroamphetamine sulfate tablets, according to the FDA.
Some of the reasons for the recalls were device and drug safety concerns, potential for super-potent drugs and mislabelled packaging.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
How over-the-counter cough syrups can harm children
US recall on eye drops after severe drug-resistant infection
Philips recalls 5.5m sleep apnea machines and ventilators in US