U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness. The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and Cardinal Health. Consumers should stop using the products immediately and avoid purchasing any that remain on pharmacy and store shelves, the FDA said in a statement.
Quick Read
- U.S. health regulators have issued a warning against using certain over-the-counter eyedrops due to infection risks that could lead to blindness.
- The FDA advisory covers lubricating drops from six companies: CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid, Cardinal Health, and others.
- Consumers are advised to stop using these products immediately and not to buy any still available in stores.
- The FDA asked these companies to recall their products after discovering unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the production facility.
- The location and inspection date of the facility were not disclosed.
- No injuries related to these products were reported as of the announcement.
- The FDA encourages doctors and patients to report related cases.
- Earlier this year, eyedrops from EzriCare and Delsam Pharma were linked to an outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria.
- Over 80 people in the U.S. were infected due to these eyedrops.
- After a recall in February, health inspectors found problems at the manufacturing plant in India, including insufficient sterility measures.
The Associated Press has the story:
FDA: Eyedrops from CVS, Rite Aid & others carry possible infection risk
Newslooks- WASHINGTON (AP)
U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness.
The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and Cardinal Health. Consumers should stop using the products immediately and avoid purchasing any that remain on pharmacy and store shelves, the FDA said in a statement.
The agency asked the companies to recall their products last week, because FDA inspectors found unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the facility producing the drops. The FDA did not disclose the location of the factory or when it was inspected.
No injuries related to the products had been reported at the time of the announcement, but the FDA encouraged doctors and patients to submit cases through the agency’s online reporting system.
Earlier this year, federal officials linked an outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria to eyedrops from two companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the most recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
After the products were recalled in February, health inspectors visited the manufacturing plant in India that made the eyedrops and uncovered problems with how they were made and tested, including inadequate sterility measures
