(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is advising consumers about the possible dangers related to certain hand sanitizer products.
The issue? These hand sanitizers may contain methanol (wood alcohol), which can be toxic — especially when absorbed through the skin or ingested.
That's why the FDA strongly encouraged consumers not to use any hand sanitizer manufactured by Eskbiochem SA de CV in Mexico.
The FDA has identified the following products made by Eskbiochem:
- All-Clean Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-002-01)
- Esk Biochem Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-007-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-008-04)
- Lavar 70 Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-006-01)
- The Good Gel Antibacterial Gel Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-010-10)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-005-03)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 75% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-009-01)
- CleanCare NoGerm Advanced Hand Sanitizer 80% Alcohol (NDC: 74589-003-01)
- Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (NDC: 74589-001-01)
More recently, the FDA notified the public that two distributors — Saniderm Products and UVT — had recalled Saniderm Advanced Hand Sanitizer (one-liter plastic bottles) labeled with “Made in Mexico” and “Produced by: Eskbiochem SA de CV.”
The FDA advised that those who have been exposed to methanol via their hand sanitizer should seek immediate medical treatment.
In high amounts, methanol exposure can lead to nausea, vomiting, headache and blurred vision. It can also lead to permanent blindness, seizures, coma and permanent damage to the nervous system.
Young children face an even higher risk because they may accidentally ingest these products.
The FDA recommended that consumers stop using the products listed above. Furthermore, the agency recommended appropriately disposing of these products immediately. They must be disposed of in appropriate hazardous waste containers rather than flushing or pouring them down the drain.
Currently, there are no reports of adverse events linked to these hand sanitizer products. However, if you have an issue with any of these products, you are encouraged to report it to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
The FDA encouraged consumers to continue to frequently wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, you can use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60 percent alcohol (excluding recalled and potentially dangerous products).
