Medline Mouthwash Recall
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently recalled Medline's alcohol-free mouthwash. Prior to the recall, it was not uncommon to find this mouthwash inside hygiene kits at hospitals, medical centers, and long-term care facilities across the country. The FDA became concerned when it was discovered that the mouthwash had become tainted with a potentially life-threatening bacteria known as Burkholderia cepacia. The Center for Disease Control has reported cases of Burkholderia cepacia contamination in Florida and Texas.
With a history of causing infections in hospital patients, Burkholderia cepacia can create severe upper respiratory problems for individuals with vulnerable immune systems or chronic lung disease. Exposure to Burkholderia cepacia has an effect on some, while healthy people generally show no symptoms at all. However, patients with cystic fibrosis are apt to develop serious respiratory infections. Oftentimes, common antibiotics are resistant to Burkholderia cepacia as well.
Consumers and healthcare providers who use Medline alcohol-free mouthwash should stop immediately. If you believe you came in contact with potentially tainted mouthwash, call the medical facility where it came from, and request treatment for Burkholderia cepacia.
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