Urgent recall of 63 laxative products ordered in the US

• Officials order an urgent recall of 63 drugs in the United States.
• The laxatives could have been exposed to microbial contamination.
• The affected products were sold throughout the country.

The Vi-Jon company issued a recall on dozens of laxative products that may have been exposed to microbial contamination. The laxative recall includes 63 magnesium citrate saline oral laxative solution medications, according to BGR.

Vi-Jon announced the initial recall on July 14 recalling all lots of Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Oral Solution Lemon Flavor, 10 FL OZ (296 mL) with a certain expiration date range. The company later expanded the recall to all lots and all flavors of the product.

Officials order recall of dozens of laxatives in the US

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new press release highlighting that the recall was initiated after third-party microbial testing by Vi-Jon, LLC identified the presence of Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens.

The recall now covers all lots of cherry-flavored and grape-flavored magnesium citrate saline laxative oral solution, 10 fl oz (296 ml) within the expiration date. «Immunocompromised patients who consume this product may be at increased risk of invasive infections caused by Gluconacetobacter liquefaciens that could have serious and life-threatening adverse health consequences,» the FDA said.

Where were the laxatives included in the recall sold?

Vi-Jon laxatives are produced and repackaged for several major brands and marketed across the country including CVS, Walgreens and Best Choice. So far, Vi-Jon is aware of three reports of serious adverse reactions potentially related to this recall and indicated that they are investigating the cases.

Vi-Jon distributed the possibly contaminated products to retail and wholesale companies across the country. The company is notifying all customers who purchased the products and has also urged buyers not to use any laxatives and instead return them to the place of purchase for a refund.

What are the affected products?

Among the 63 products affected by the laxative recall are: BEST CHOICE 10OZ LEMON MAG CITRATE – NDC: 63941-533-38, UPC: 70038200499; BEST CHOICE 10OZ CHERRY CITRATE – NDC: 63941-516-38, UPC: 70038587903; BEST CHOICE GRAPE CITRATE 10 OZ – NDC: 63941-162-38, UPC: 70038662204; CARE ONE 10OZ LEMON MAG CIT – NDC: 72476-001-38, UPC: 341520313226; CARE ONE 10OZ CHERRY CIT – NDC: 72476-002-38, UPC: 341520000553.

Other products sold at CVS are also recalled: CVS 10OZ LEMON MAG CIT – NDC: 63868-929-38, UPC: 50428335178; CVS 10OZ LEMON MAG CIT – NDC: 69842-983-38, UPC: 50428305942; CVS 10OZ CHERRY CITRATE – NDC: 69842-647-38, UPC: 50428297339; CVS CHERRY CITRATE 10OZ – NDC: 69842-647-38, UPC: 50428285152; CVS 10OZ CLR GRAPE CITRATE – NDC: 69842-763-38, UPC: 50428307458 and CVS 10OZ CLR GRAPE CITRATE – NDC: 69842-763-38, UPC: 50428325032. To see the full list of medications click HERE.

What else do you need to know?

The FDA stated that the product is used for the relief of occasional constipation and generally produces a bowel movement within ½ to 6 hours. The product is packaged in a clear 10 oz round plastic bottle. In addition to the lemon flavor, the recall now includes the cherry flavor and the grape flavor.

Consumers who have experienced any type of health problem or discomfort after using the Vi-Jon laxatives included in the recall should immediately contact their doctor, Vi-Jon and the FDA said.