FDA Alerts on Contaminated Eye Drops Across 26 Brands

The FDA has issued a public alert about the possibility of bacterial contamination in 26 different brands of over-the-counter eye drops. The usage of these infected things may result in eye infections or even irreversible blindness. Products impacted can be bought at large shops such as CVS, Rite Aid, and Target.  

On October 27, the FDA issued a safety advisory warning about the potential risks of using these eye drop products. Up&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops, available at Target, and lubricant eye drops from CVS and Rite Aid are two examples. On its website, the FDA has published a detailed catalog of implicated items.  

The FDA issued this warning following a facility inspection that discovered unclean conditions and positive bacterial test results in crucial pharmaceutical manufacturing areas. The FDA has underscored the seriousness of the problem, stressing that the items are sterile. Because the eyes lack the same protective barriers as the rest of the body, they are more vulnerable to injury.  

So far, no injuries or eye problems have been recorded as a result of these items, but the source and nature of the contamination remain unknown. The FDA has yet to be able to establish which bacteria was responsible for the contamination. In response to the FDA’s warning, CVS has discontinued the sale of all CVS Health Brand Eye products made by Velocity Pharma. Those who purchased these items can get their money back at any CVS pharmacy. 

This current warning is nothing out of the ordinary. Due to contamination concerns, the FDA issued a similar warning regarding another type of eye drop earlier this year. An alarming multi-state outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria has been connected to EzriCare Artificial Tears and two other products manufactured by the same company.

A highly unusual strain of P. aeruginosa infected 81 people in 18 states. As a result of these unfortunate occurrences, 14 people lost their vision, four had to have an eyeball removed, and four died. According to Dr. Amesh Adalja, Senior Scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, eye infections might be caused by a wide range of microorganisms. He stressed the need to seek medical assistance if you have signs of an eye infection, especially if you wear contact lenses.  

People who are concerned about coming into touch with these contaminated items should be informed that their eyes may develop symptoms such as discharge, discomfort, irritation, redness, sensitivity to light, impaired vision, and the sensation that something is in their eye. If you have used any of the mentioned products and are experiencing any symptoms, you should get medical assistance right away.  

Customers are asked to cross-reference their goods with the FDA’s list of potentially hazardous products. You should contact the business where you purchased them to get a refund and then properly dispose of them. Keep a watch out for any signs of an eye infection and seek emergency medical assistance if necessary.  

News Reference  

Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). CDER Alert. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye#eyedrops