Class 2: Drug Alert – Gaviscon Advance

Gaviscon Advance Peppermint Flavour

Oral suspension containing sodium alginate 500mg and potassium bicarbonate 100mg in 5ml
PL 0063/0103

Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare (UK) Ltd are recalling the above lots due to a low -evel microbial contamination detected in one of the batches. The contamination causes spoilage of the product and a phenolic or antiseptic smell. The product should smell of peppermint.

The microbial contamination is not likely to be harmful to normally healthy consumers. However, if this product is being used by patients with suppressed immune systems, such as patients on chemotherapy, the risk of infection and other adverse reactions cannot be ruled out. General Practitioners or Pharmacists receiving enquiries from such patients are requested to give professional advice and refer to the responsible treatment centre where necessary.
Information for consumers

Reckitt Benckiser is carrying out a precautionary medicine recall at wholesale and pharmacy level, on two batches of 500ml bottles of Gaviscon Advance Peppermint Flavour; batch numbers 924471 and 925071.

The reason for this is that low-level bacterial contamination has been found in one of the batches. The recall of the other batch is purely a precautionary measure. The contamination could cause the product to spoil and alter the product’s smell from peppermint to antiseptic.

Healthy consumers who have consumed or have this product at home do not need to worry, as the contamination is unlikely to be harmful. For consumers with suppressed immune systems, such as patients on chemotherapy, the risk of infection from this contamination cannot be ruled out.

If consumers have any worries or suspected side effects, they should contact their doctor.