Stop Using These 9 Bayer Over-The-Counter Drugs Now, Maker Says



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Bayer is one of the most trusted names customers see on the shelves at their local drugstore. The company is best known for developing aspirin, but it has introduced many drugs to the market since its launch in 1863. But now Bayer has launched a voluntary recall of nine of its over-the-counter products. The company is asking its customers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico to stop using them and dispose of them safely for fear that they contain a potentially dangerous substance. To find out if you should throw something out of your medicine cabinet, read on.

Lotrimin products affected by Bayer recall in October 2021
Bayer

Bayer is voluntarily recalling unexpired boxes of its Lotrimin antifungal products with certain lot numbers that were distributed between September 2018 and September 2021.

The affected antifungal spray products (listed below) are used to treat athlete’s foot and have been sold over the counter individually and in combination packs.

  • Lotrimin® Antifungal (AF) Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray
  • Lotrimin® Anti-Fungal Jock Itch (AFJI) Powder Spray for Athlete’s Foot
  • Lotrimin® Antifungal (AF) Powdered Athlete’s Foot Deodorant Spray
  • Lotrimin® AF Liquid Athlete’s Foot Spray
  • Lotrimin® AF Athlete’s Foot Daily Prevention Powder Deodorant Spray

A complete list of products, including expiration dates and lot codes (all of which begin with TN, CV, or NAA), is available on the Bayer website.

Tinactin products affected by Bayer recall in October 2021
Bayer

Bayer is also making unexpired Tinactin spray products with lot numbers starting with TN and CV that were distributed within the same timeframe, September 2018 through September 2021.

The affected Tinactin sprays, which are also used to treat itching and athlete’s foot, are listed below, with a full list of products (including expiration dates and lot codes) available on the Bayer website. aforementioned.

  • Tinactin® Jock Itch (JI) Powder Spray
  • Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Powder Deodorant Spray
  • Tinactin® Athlete’s Foot Powder Spray
  • Tinactin® Liquid Athlete’s Foot Spray

The affected Lotrimin and Tinactin products have both been distributed in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico.

Logo of Bayer, a German multinational pharmaceutical and life sciences company
nitpicker / Shutterstock

According to a notice issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bayer has decided to recall these nine products “due to the presence of benzene in certain samples”, although the company says the carcinogen is not “not an ingredient in Bayer Consumer Health Products.”

On the Lotrimin and Tinactin websites, Bayer explains that the spray versions of these products contain an additional ingredient called a propellant that pushes it out of the box to make sure it is evenly distributed. The low levels of benzene have been “attributed to the propellant”.

The company said it has decided to recall the Lotrimin and Tinactin products as a “precautionary measure” and does not expect the levels of benzene detected in the sprays in question “to result in adverse health consequences.”

However, they issued the following statement regarding the risk that benzene may present: “Benzene is classified as carcinogenic to humans. Exposure to benzene can occur by inhalation, by mouth and through the skin. Depending on the duration and level of exposure, it can lead to cancers, including leukemia, bone marrow blood cancer and blood disorders that can be life threatening.Benzene is found in the environment from natural sources and human activities. Humans around the world are exposed to it from multiple sources and routes, including inhalation, through the skin and orally. “

Idar-Oberstein, Germany - May 7, 2014: An aspirin tablet, containing 0.5 gram of acetylsalicylic acid as the active pharmaceutical ingredient, located on its blister pack with ten tablets.  Aspirin is one of the most common and widely used pharmaceutical drugs in the world.  In 1897, aspirin was first synthesized by the German company Bayer.  It was primarily used to relieve aches and pains, but today it is also known to help reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack, and possibly certain types of cancer if taken. regularly at low doses.  This packaging is the one sold in Germany.
iStock

Fortunately, Bayer has not received any reports of “adverse events” related to the recalled antifungal sprays. They also note that there is no reason to be concerned about Lotrimin and Tinactin creams, or any other Bayer product.

The company claims to have tested its other aerosol products and none of them appear to be affected. They also note: “Before these issues arose, we had already moved to another contract manufacturer that is not affected by this issue. “

Woman taking out the trash in the neighborhood
Joshua Resnick / Shutterstock

Bayer says all customers who have the affected sprays at home should stop using them and “dispose of the product properly.” If you want a refund, you can request it via the Lotrimin site or the Tinactin site, but you must first take a photo of the product (s) concerned. The company also says that while there is “no deadline for refund requests at this time,” it suggests that you submit your request as soon as possible.

All customers who are concerned that they have encountered health problems as a result of using the products should contact their doctor and report them to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program, Bayer said. Customers can also contact Bayer directly with any questions at 1-866-360-3266, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

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