FDA Recalls 26 OTC Eye Drops Sold at Major Retailers
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An increasing number of over-the-counter eye drops are being recalled over concerns about potential eye infections and the risk of vision loss.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning for 26 eye drops from well-known brands, including CVS Health Corp., Rite Aid, Target and Walmart recently.
Health investigators discovered unsanitary conditions in the manufacturing facilities of these products and positive bacterial test results that could result in patient harm.
Products used to treat dry eyes and relieve eye irritation are included in the warning. Using the recalled products could result in eye infections, partial vision loss or even blindness, FDA officials reported.
“CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites,” the FDA stated. “Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased.”
While no adverse events related to the eye drops have been reported, the FDA urges consumers to report any issues and to dispose of the impacted products.
Four Died in Connection to Contaminated Eye Drops
Earlier this year, a widespread eye drops infection linked to EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears Eye Drops sickened more than 80 people across 18 states. Four people died and more than a dozen people’s sight was affected.
A rare, drug-resistant bacterium — carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, including Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA) — had never before been found in the United States. It was linked to the EzriCare drops used by many of the sickened people in multiple states.
U.S. health investigators who examined Global Pharma’s India-based manufacturing facility found multiple sanitation issues that may have contributed to the deadly contamination.
Global Pharma Healthcare was placed under an FDA import alert earlier this year, meaning no products made by the manufacturer are allowed into the U.S.
Since the recall, 14 people have filed EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears lawsuits. The lawsuits are in the early stages and there have been no approved settlements or jury trials scheduled.
Consumers who suffered an eye infection, vision loss or other side effects while using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma artificial tears products may be eligible for an EzriCare or Delsam eye drop lawsuit.
List of Recently Impacted Eye Drops
The FDA released a list of eye drops that consumers are warned against buying or have been recalled by the maker. The full list is available on the FDA website.
Retailers include:
- CVS Health
- Leader (Cardinal Health)
- Rugby (Harvard Drug Group)
- Target
- Velocity Pharma LLC
- Walmart
FDA encourages health care professionals and consumers to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
Patients who have symptoms of an eye infection after using these products are advised to talk to their health care provider or get immediate medical attention.