A recall has been issued by healthcare goods manufacturer Kimberly-Clark for various lots of regular absorbency ‘U by Kotex’ Sleek Tampons. The recall affects lots manufactured between October 7th, 2016, and October 16th, 2018 and distributed for sale between October 17th, 2016, and October 23rd, 2018. Lot numbers and dates of manufacture can be checked on the bottom of the product’s packaging and a full listing of recalled lot numbers can be found here.
The recall comes after an influx of customer claims that the product can become unraveled in the body and, in some cases, can require medical assistance to remove pieces that may be left behind. The complaints include claims of “infections, vaginal irritation, localized vaginal injury, and other symptoms” from customers who had used the affected products.
Consumers are affected across the United States and Canada and are advised to contact their medical providers if they develop any symptoms or encounter any difficulties. Kimberly-Clark has advised customers to immediately discontinue use of tampons from the affected lots and to contact them for more information. The company added that that those consumers experiencing any sort of vaginal injury or irritation, urogenital infections like yeast infections or bladder/vaginal bacterial infections, or symptoms including hot flashes, abdominal pain, or nausea or vomiting after using Kotex-branded tampons should seek immediate medical attention.