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These Kotex tampons were recalled after customers reported having them unravel inside their bodies

Here’s the website to check if you’ve been using U by Kotex Sleek Tampons

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December 13, 2018 at 5:42 p.m. EST

Adapted from a story by The Washington Post’s Lindsey Bever.

Those who have been using regular absorbency U by Kotex Sleek Tampons should check the manufacture date: Some are being recalled after reports that the tampons were unraveling and coming apart inside consumers’ bodies. Kimberly-Clark, which manufactures personal-care products, said in a news release Tuesday that some consumers also reported irritation, infections, injuries and abdominal pain among other issues.

The company said that consumers reported having to seek medical attention “to remove tampon pieces left in the body,” and that products have been recalled in the United States and Canada because of “a quality-related defect.”

If you’ve been using these products, here’s what to know:

Kimberly-Clark said the tampons under recall were manufactured from Oct. 7, 2016, to Oct. 16, 2018, and were distributed from Oct. 17, 2016, to Oct. 23, 2018, across the United States and Canada.

Consumers who have tampons labeled with certain lot numbers should not use them, and people who have experienced related symptoms should seek medical help, Kimberly-Clark said. Those lot numbers are listed here on the company’s website.

Kimberly-Clark did not immediately respond Wednesday to a request for further comment on the recall.

General regulations on tampons

Typically, tampons that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration are considered safe to use. The FDA states on its website that “before any tampons can be sold, they must go through FDA review to determine whether they are substantially equivalent to, including as safe and effective as, a legally marketed tampon.”

In rare cases, a condition known as toxic shock syndrome can develop after tampon use, causing shock, renal failure or even death, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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The FDA has listed certain precautions, such as practicing good hygiene, using tampons only during menstruation and changing them every four to eight hours.

Following news of the recall, Kimberly-Clark said it was taking action to prevent similar issues in the future.

“The safety of our consumers is our top priority,” it said in a Q&A online. “We are putting systems in place to prevent the occurrence of similar issues in the future.”