1/19/2012
Vagifresh Ball, Vagifresh Gel, Female One: Recall - Undeclared Drug Ingredient, Bacterial Contamination
AUDIENCE: Consumer, OB/GYN
ISSUE: USA Far Ocean Group Inc. notified the public of a recall of Vagifresh Ball and Vagifresh Gel, sold as cosmetics. Vagifresh Gel was found by FDA analysis to contain benzocaine, an active ingredient for many anesthetic drug products. FDA analysis of Vagifresh Ball found the product contains bacteria. The FDA has also determined that marketing material for these products contained unsubstantiated therapeutic claims related to various gynecologic conditions that could have caused women taking these products from seeking appropriate medical care for potentially serious medical conditions.
BACKGROUND: Vagifresh Ball and Vagifresh Gel products are marketed as cosmetics, and applied by inserting deeply into the vagina for a prolonged period of time. These products were sold via herbal stores, beauty shops, drug stores, internet and mail order.
These two products were also sold under the mixed package named Female One, which contained Vagifresh Ball, Vagifresh Gel and Vagifresh Liquid (this recall does not involve Vagifresh Liquid). FDA analysis of Vagifresh Ball found the product contains bacteria:
Staphylococcus lentus, S. sciuri, Bacillus Lantus, Alloiococcus otitis, Aerococcus viridans, Aeromonas salmonicid, Gemella spp, and Leuconostoc spp.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers in possession of these products should stop using it immediately and contact their physician if they experienced any problem that may be related to using any of these products.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
Complete and submit the report Online:
www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form.