Haleon, maker of the cough medicine Robitussin, has announced a recall of some Robitussin cough … [+]
On the list of things you don’t want in cough syrup, potentially dangerous pathogens like fungus rank very high. Haleon is therefore voluntarily recalling eight lots of Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult and Robitussin Honey CF Max Nighttime Adult products, according to a statement from the US Food and Drug Administration. The announcement did not specify which germs may have gotten into those products. However, he cited mycosis, or disseminated fungal infection, as a risk for those with weaker immune systems. This would indicate that the cold and cough medicine may be contaminated with some type of fungus, which is generally not fun to have on your body.
Now, a strong immune system often prevents you from getting a life-threatening infection if a fungus gets into your body. However, a strong immune system is not like the Infinity Gauntlet. It cannot offer 100% protection against fungal infections where you can say, “Does this drink have fungus? Bring it here and pour me some.’ You can still get yeast infections and it can occasionally cause a rash.
Those who are immunocompromised are in a different fungal boat. The chances of malignancy from fungi are much higher. The announcement did emphasize that “to date, Haleon has not received any reports of adverse reactions related to this recall.” However, CF in the product name should not mean Cough Fungus. Therefore, if you have a product from any of the following lots, please throw it away or return it for a refund:
- Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 4oz: Lot number T10810, Expiry date: 31 October 2025
- Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 8oz: Lot number T08730, Expiry date: 31 May 2025
- Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 8oz: Lot number T08731, Expiration date: 31 May 2025
- Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 8oz: Lot number T08732, Expiry date: 31 May 2025
- Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 8oz: Lot number T08733, Expiry date: 31 May 2025
- Robitussin Honey CF Max Day Adult 8oz: Lot number T10808, Expiry date: September 30, 2025
- Robitussin Honey CF Max NT Adult 8oz: Lot number T08740, Expiry date: 30 June 2026
- Robitussin Honey CF Max Nt Adults 8oz: Lot number T08742, Expiry date: 30 June 2026
If you have already used the product and are concerned that you may have a fungal infection, contact your doctor. Again, if you have a strong immune system, the chances of a life-threatening yeast infection are probably quite low. At the same time, the symptoms of a fungal infection can be very non-specific and can range from mild to very severe. Common symptoms of yeast infections include fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, joint pain, fevers, night sweats, or some weight loss. There are other possible symptoms, but a lot depends on where in the body the yeast infection actually is. If in any doubt, don’t play fungal roulette and consult your doctor instead.
