FDA Issues Eye Drop Infection Warning
Recent developments have shone a light on a serious issue facing consumers today: the risk of infection from over-the-counter eye drops. Federal authorities have sounded the alarm, cautioning the public against the use of a number of eye drops available on the market due to potential bacterial contamination.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on Friday regarding 26 eye drop products, including those sold under widely recognized store brands such as CVS Health, Rite Aid, and Target’s Up & Up. Notably, the list also includes products under the Leader, Rugby, and Velocity Pharma labels. The concern is rooted in the possibility that these eye drops may harbor bacteria capable of causing severe eye infections, which in some extreme cases, could lead to blindness.
While the FDA has yet to receive any specific complaints of infections linked to these products, the decision to sound the alarm was a precautionary measure. They have, in fact, urged manufacturers to recall potentially contaminated products. The backdrop for this warning is rather disconcerting: federal investigators discovered the presence of harmful bacteria, as well as unsanitary conditions, at a facility where multiple eye drop products were being manufactured.
For those who have already procured any of these potentially hazardous eye drops, the FDA’s advice is straightforward – discard them immediately. Moreover, if anyone believes they’ve experienced adverse reactions after using these lubricants, they should promptly report their experiences to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
Earlier this year, the FDA had to recall several eye drop products, after it was determined they were contaminated with a drug-resistant bacterium called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This contamination was not merely theoretical: tainted eye drops were directly linked to the deaths of at least four individuals, with many more affected in 18 states, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The most recent alert from the FDA pertains to these specific eye drop products available across the U.S.:
| Retailer/ Label | Product | Product Information |
|---|---|---|
| CVS Health | Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v |
| Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v | |
| Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v | |
| Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v | |
| Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml | Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops | |
| Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml | Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops | |
| Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack) | Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v | |
| Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack) | Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v | |
| Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack) | Polyethylene Glycol 400 Eye Drop ‘0.25% w/v | |
| Rugby (Cardinal Health) | Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml | Hypromellose 2910-0.3% w/v & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops |
| Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml | Polyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops 1.4% w/v | |
| Leader (Cardinal Health) | Dry Eye Relief 10 ml | Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
| Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v | |
| Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v | |
| Dry Eye Relief 15 ml | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v | |
| Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml | Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops | |
| Rite Aid | Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v |
| Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack) | Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v | |
| Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml | Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, Dextran 70 0.1% Eye Drops | |
| Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v | |
| Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml | Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops | |
| Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml | Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops | |
| Target | Up&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml | Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops |
| Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single pack) | Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops | |
| Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml (twin pack) | Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v | |
| Velocity Pharma LLC | Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml (triple pack) | Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v |
The Path Forward for Victims: Legal Recourse and Compensation
For individuals who believe they have been harmed due to the use of these eye drop products, legal action might be a viable path forward. Victims can file a product liability lawsuit against the responsible party, be it the manufacturer, distributor, or retailer. In such cases, plaintiffs can potentially seek damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Given the potential severity of the infections and the large-scale nature of this issue, those affected may have a substantial claim. The critical first step is to consult with a knowledgeable attorney to evaluate the merits of their case and guide them through the legal process.
Act Now: Free Consultation with Parker Waichman LLP
If you or a loved one have been harmed by these contaminated eye drops, it’s very important to act quickly. Parker Waichman LLP, a nationally recognized product injury law firm, is here to help. Their team of experienced attorneys will review your case and provide expert guidance. Don’t let this issue go unresolved. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for a free consultation. No matter where you are located, we can review your potential claim.
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