Press Release

DH endorses batch recalls of Bactroban Nasal Ointment 3g

24 August 2015

The Department of Health (DH) today (August 24) endorsed a licensed drug wholesaler, GlaxoSmithKline Ltd (GSK), to recall two batches (batch number: C686773 and C704712) of Bactroban Nasal Ointment 3g (Hong Kong registration number: HK-33588) from the market due to a quality issue.

The DH was notified by GSK that the above pharmaceutical product's manufacturer in the United Kingdom was recalling certain batches as there was a potential risk of physical contamination with foreign materials associated with the manufacturing of the active substance, mupirocin calcium. According to GSK, the risk posed by the finished product is low and the recall is a precautionary measure.

The above pharmaceutical product is an antibiotic indicated for nasal infection. It can only be sold in pharmacies under the supervision of registered pharmacists upon a doctor's prescription.

GSK revealed that 15 815 tubes from the two affected batches have been supplied to the local market, including the DH's clinics, the Hospital Authority, private hospitals, private doctors and local pharmacies. The DH has not received any adverse reaction reports related to this pharmaceutical product so far.

GSK has set up a hotline (3189 8765) to answer related enquiries. The DH will closely monitor the recall.

"People who have used this pharmaceutical product should consult healthcare professionals if in doubt or are feeling unwell after use," a spokesman for the DH said.