Hibiwash antiseptic wash recall

Certain batches of Hibiwash have been recalled. This is due to possible contamination with Burkholderia cepacia bacteria.

Mölnlycke Health Care is recalling some batches of Hibiwash, an antiseptic wash.

Routine checks at the manufacturing site found contamination with Burkholderia cepacia. This is a type of bacteria commonly found in soil and water, and it can be difficult to treat because many antibiotics don’t work well against it.

For most people, the risk of infection from Burkholderia cepacia is very low. However, some groups — such as people with cystic fibrosis or those waiting for a lung transplant — can become unwell more easily if they are exposed to it.

So far, no Hibiwash bottles have been found to contain the bacteria. Even so, the company is recalling certain batches as a precaution to protect public health.

The batches being recalled are:

• 5156042
• 5156043
• 5156093

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advises anyone with bottles from these batches to stop using them. They should be taken to a pharmacy for safe disposal. If you bought Hibiwash yourself, you can return it to the shop you bought it from.

If a healthcare professional provided you with Hibiwash from one of the affected batches, please contact them.

Please speak to your CF team if you have concerns about Hibiwash or have experienced an adverse reaction. Any suspected adverse reactions should also be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.