Toddler is given cough syrup.Share on Pinterest
SBenitez/Getty Images
  • Certain Robitussin brand cough syrups are being voluntarily recalled due to microbial contamination.
  • Immunocompromised individuals are at risk for potential serious fungal infection due to the contamination.
  • Consumers should immediately stop using contaminated products.

Haleon, the consumer health company, has announced a voluntary recall of certain Robitussin brand cough syrups due to microbial contamination.

Here’s what you need to know.

The company is recalling eight lots of Robitussin brand products, including:

  • Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult (4oz)
  • Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult (8oz)
  • Robitussin Honey CF Max NT Adult (8oz)

Consumers are advised to check the lot numbers and expiry dates of any products in their homes with the known contaminated lots posted on the Food and Drug Administration website.

While the general public is unlikely to be affected by the contamination, immunocompromised individuals could be at risk.

“In immunocompromised individuals, the use of the affected product could potentially result in severe or life-threatening adverse events…In non-immunocompromised consumers, the population most likely to use the product, life-threatening infections are not likely to occur. However, the occurrence of an infection that may necessitate medical intervention cannot be completely ruled out,” the company said in an announcement.

A representative for Haleon sent Healthline the following emailed statement:

“In keeping with our commitment to quality, Haleon has made the decision to voluntarily recall certain lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult in the US only, at the consumer level. The decision to recall is based out of an abundance of caution on the possibility that certain units may contain microbial contamination.

Consumer safety and product quality are our utmost priorities at Haleon. After a thorough investigation, a root cause has been identified and we are implementing corrective and preventative actions to ensure that this does not recur.”

Thus far, there have been no reported cases of illness associated with the products.

“We haven’t seen any cases and I anticipate that they are really just doing this to prevent anyone from getting sick,” Dr. Joseph Lambson, PharmD, Director of the New Mexico Poison and Drug Information Center, and an Assistant Professor at the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy, told Healthline.

Most people are not likely to be affected by the contamination, but those who are immunocompromised, either due to medication or disease, are at risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

The announcement specifically mentions “fungemia” and “disseminated fungal infection,” both serious conditions in which a fungal infection has spread through the blood or body.

“Normally healthy individuals if they are exposed to something with fungus, they tolerate it very well and they don’t get sick from it because the body has a natural immune response and can eradicate that pretty easily,” said Lambson.

“The concern is really in our immunocompromised patients, individuals with diabetes, or individuals who are on medication that actually lowers their immune response. They are at a much higher risk of getting sick from a fungal contamination like this,” he said.

Many fungal infections are opportunistic, meaning that they only occur in individuals who may be predisposed to them because of a weakened immune system. Conditions like cancer and HIV are likely to be immunocompromised and more susceptible to fungal infection. People who have recently had organ or stem cell transplants, or are hospitalized are also at risk.

Certain medications also weaken the immune system. These drugs, known as immunosuppressants, are used to treat autoimmune conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis. Immunosuppressants are also prescribed for organ transplant patients to reduce the body’s response to the foreign organ.

Classes of immunosuppressant drugs include:

  • Corticosteroids
  • JAK inhibitors
  • Biologics
  • mTOR inhibitors

Although an infection is unlikely for most people, if you believe you’ve consumed a contaminated product, you should be aware of potential symptoms.

“As with any general infection, feeling ill, having fever, chills, maybe some fatigue. Those individuals who have taken the product and are having those symptoms should be the most cautious and the most vigilant in contacting the poison control center or contacting their medical provider for additional help,” said Lambson.

Consumers who believe they have a contaminated product should immediately stop using it. Haleon encourages anyone with a contaminated product to call their consumer relations team at +1-800-245-1040 or send an email to mystory.us@haleon.com.

If you’ve experienced an adverse reaction due to consuming a contaminated product, you are able to report it to the FDA through their medwatch program.

The national poison control hotline can be reached at: 1-800-222-1222.

Three varieties of Robitussin brand cough syrup are being recalled due to microbial contamination.

Individuals with suppressed immune systems should be aware of potentially life-threatening fungal infections from these products.

No adverse reactions have been reported. Anyone who has consumed a contaminated product should be aware of symptoms of infection including fever, chills, and fatigue.