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A woman checks her smartphone while shopping.A recall of U by Kotex tampons has been issued by manufacturer Kimberly-Clark because of of a defect causing them to unravel inside women’s bodies.

The recall was issued in early December after the company received reports from women who had experienced problems with the product. In a company press release announcing the recall, Kimberly-Clark said this problem has resulted in women having to seek “medical attention to remove tampon pieces left in the body” as well as for infections and other related complications.

A “Quality Defect”

According to Kimberly-Clark, a “quality-related defect” was the factor that caused U by Kotex tampons to literally fall apart while being removed. This has reportedly resulted in pieces of the product becoming lodged inside, resulting in vaginal injuries and irritation that include:

  • pain
  • bleeding
  • general discomfort
  • itching
  • swelling

In addition, women have reported suffering urogenital infections (bacterial and yeast-related). There have also been symptoms such as hot flashes, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Kimberly-Clark advises that women who experience any of these symptoms contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible, as they could indicate the onset of toxic shock syndrome. This condition, which was associated with an outbreak in the 1980s because of tampon use, can result in kidney failure and in some cases is fatal.

What U by Kotex Tampons Have Been Affected?

While there are several different products that are sold under the U by Kotex label, the specific product that has been affected by the recall is the U by Kotex Sleek Tampons, Regular Absorbency, that were sold in the U.S. and Canada between Oct. 7, 2016 and Oct. 17, 2018. A PDF file of the press release and a list with lot numbers of all recalled packages is available here.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which determines whether or not such devices and products are safe to use, recommends that women take precautions by using tampons only when needed and change them at least every 8 hours.

Have There Been Lawsuits?

While law firms have been investigating incidents involving the disintegration of U by Kotex Tampons, there have not yet been any lawsuits filed based on this specific issue. In 2015 however, an injury lawsuit against Kinberly-Clark filed by the family of a model whose right leg was amputated below the knee and suffered damage in her left foot because of complications related to toxic shock syndrome. In addition to the manufacturer, the complaint named the retailer where the young woman had purchased the tampons as a defendant, alleging that they acted “negligently, wantonly, recklessly, tortuously, and unlawfully responsible in some manner.

The lawsuit was eventually settled for an undisclosed amount.

Is Anything Else Being Done to Protect Consumers?

On a company web page, Kimberly-Clark states that “The safety of our consumers is our top priority. We are putting systems in place to prevent the occurrence of similar issues in the future.” Meanwhile, the FDA advises all tampon manufacturers to test its products thoroughly in order to make certain the material does not promote the growth of harmful bacteria and that they meet claimed absorbency levels.

Join a Free U by Kotex Sleek Tampons Class Action Lawsuit Investigation

If you purchased U by Kotex Sleek Tampons, Regular Absorbency between October 2016 and October 2018 and the tampons unraveled upon removal or left pieces in your body, you may qualify to join this investigation.

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134 thoughts onU by Kotex Tampons Recall Issued After Reports of Unravelling

  1. Nakita Thompson says:

    I was rushed to the hospital, by ambulance. A Kotex tampon broke inside of me & was there for days without my knowledge.

  2. Charlene Tsiptsis says:

    add me

  3. Rebecca Hodge says:

    Add me

  4. Lisa Mclelland says:

    Add me

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