Are you experiencing eye irritation or discomfort? You may want to check if your eye drops have been recalled. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued recalls for handful of eye drop products due to issues such as non-sterility and bacterial contamination. But which eye drops are recalled, and what should you do if you have used them? If you or someone you know uses eye drops, it is important to know which products are affected and how to stay safe.
Stay informed about the latest eye drop recalls with our comprehensive guide. Learn which eye drops are being recalled, the reasons behind the recalls, and what you can do to protect your eye health. Keep your eyes safe and healthy with our expert advice.
Global Pharma – EzriCare / Delsam Pharma’s eye drops
Eye drops produced by Global Pharma, EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, have been linked to a drug-resistant strain of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. These organizations warned the public in January to discontinue using the eye drops. The infections resulting from this bacterial strain have caused three deaths, vision loss in eight individuals, and the surgical removal of four people’s eyeballs.
Global Pharma has voluntarily recalled all lots within expiry of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, which were distributed by EzriCare, LLC, and Delsam Pharma, due to the possibility of contamination.
The CDC informed the FDA of an investigation into a multi-state cluster of infections caused by Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA). These infections may be linked to the use of the artificial tears produced by Global Pharma Healthcare.
A woman from Florida has filed a lawsuit against Global Pharma this month, claiming that an infection caused by their eye drops was so severe that doctors had to surgically remove one of her eyes.
In addition to the eye drops, the FDA has also warned the public to discontinue using an eye ointment manufactured by Global Pharma due to potential contamination.
See the official notice here.
Recall details
- Company Name: Global Pharma Healthcare
- Brand Name: EzriCare & DELSAM Pharma
- Product Description: Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops
- Reason for recall: Potential microbial contamination
Apotex Corp – Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution eye drops
Apotex has issued a recall of prescription eye drops used to lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, in coordination with the US FDA. Specifically, six lots of Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.15 percent have been recalled due to reports of at least four bottle caps developing cracks that could potentially impact the sterility of the product.
These particular lots of Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution 0.15% can be identified by their NDC numbers, which are displayed on the carton and label of the product. The lot number and expiry date can be found on the top flap of the carton and on the left side of the product description on the bottle label, next to the barcode. These lots were distributed across the USA between April 05, 2022, and February 22, 2023.
Check the official notice here.
Recall details
- Company Name: Apotex Corp.
- Brand Name: Apotex
- Product Description: Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%
- Reason for recall: Potential lack of sterility.
Pharmedica – Purely Soothing MSM 15% Drops
Pharmedica has issued a recall for two lots of Purely Soothing 15 percent MSM Drops on March 3, after discovering that they were not sterile. These drops are typically used to alleviate eye swelling and irritation.
The Purely Soothing 15 percent MSM Drops are designed to serve as an anti-inflammatory agent to relieve symptoms of ocular swelling and/or irritation. They are sold in white, cylindrical HDPE bottles that contain eye dropper caps and white lids. The affected lots of these eye drops are as follows: LOT#: 2203PS01 (1 oz, UPC 7 31034 91379 9), and LOT#: 1808051 (½ oz, UPC 7 31034 91382 9).
Using contaminated eye drops can lead to eye infections that could potentially cause blindness, underscoring the importance of the recall.
Carefully check out the official notice here.
Recall details
- Company Name: Pharmedica USA LLC
- Brand Name: Purely Soothing
- Product Description: 15% MSM Drops
- Reason: Non-sterility
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (C.D.C.), as of March 14, 68 people across 16 states had been diagnosed with the drug-resistant bacteria strain associated with the recalled EzriCare and Delsam eye drops. To find out if your eye drops are included in the recall, it is recommended to review the recall notice provided by each company, which contains specific details about which batch of each product was affected.
Those who have used the recalled artificial tears and are experiencing eye infection symptoms such as eye discharge, redness, sensitivity to light, or eye pain should see a doctor immediately, the C.D.C. advised.
Artificial tears are the most common treatment for dry eye disease, which is a prevalent eye disease that causes discomfort and vision problems. Ophthalmologist Jeffrey H. Ma, who specializes in ocular surface diseases, said that patients should stay informed about FDA recalls, but they do not need to stop using all eye drops as they are safe when used correctly.
Ma explained that patients can use preservative-free eye drops, which come in disposable single-use vials and are gentle on the eyes. However, patients should not touch the tip of the vial to their eyes or use it for more than a day. To prevent eye infections, it is essential to wash hands before touching the eyes or eye drops and check the expiration date before using eye-care products.
The recent eye-drop recalls are unrelated: EzriCare Artificial Tears were recalled due to serious infections in multiple states, Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution was recalled due to a manufacturing problem with the caps, and Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops were recalled due to non-sterility.
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Remarks
In conclusion, it is crucial to stay informed about recalls of eye drops, as using contaminated or non-sterile products can pose serious health risks. If you have used any of the recalled eye drops and are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
As noted by experts, there are still safe options for those who suffer from dry eye disease, such as preservative-free drops in single-use vials. By taking necessary precautions, such as checking expiration dates and washing hands before using eye drops, we can help prevent eye infections and ensure the safety of our eyes. Stay informed, stay safe, and prioritize the health of your eyes.
