The recall of various eye drops and eye drop products in 2023 have been linked to bacterial contamination from a drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and are now the basis of eye drop recall lawsuit actions throughout the United States. The recalls have led to more than two dozen products being removed from store shelves due to the potential risk of causing severe eye infections, blindness and even death. The FDA has continually updated the list of over-the-counter eye drop products that consumers should not purchase or use, and specific products mentioned in FDA recall notices include Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL sold by Walmart.
Retailers that have pulled these eye drops from their shelves include CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, and Target, as well as products from brands like Leader, Rugby, and Velocity Pharma. There is also specific mention of not using Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops — Eye Repair due to potential bacterial and fungal contamination.
Cardinal Health, Inc. initiated a voluntary recall for all lots of ophthalmic products supplied by Velocity, which suggests a wide-reaching impact on the eye drop product market. Moreover, Cardinal Health and Rugby Laboratories have also issued voluntary recalls of their products.
The extent of the issue became evident with reports to the CDC of multiple illnesses associated with the contaminated eye drops, which led to the recall of three specific types of eye drops in the United States. The FDA’s warning against the use of 27 over-the-counter eye drops highlights the severity of the situation, as the contamination could lead to partial vision loss or complete blindness.
If you have purchased and used any of the eye drops mentioned above and are concerned about potential adverse impact on your eyes, eyesight, or general health, you are urged to immediately contact an attorney at Audet & Partners, LLP for a free, confidential case evaluation. You can contact us by completing and submitting the inquiry form on the right side of this page, or by giving us a call at (800) 965-1461.
FDA Actions Taken Against Various Eye Drop Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken significant actions throughout 2023 to recall various eye drop products due to serious safety concerns. Here is a summary of the key points related to these recalls:
- Bacterial Contamination
The recalls have been largely due to bacterial contamination from a drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa found in more than two dozen eye drop products. This bacterium can cause severe eye infections, and in some cases, the infections have led to blindness and even been fatal.
2. Retailers Affected
Major retailers including CVS, Rite Aid, Walmart, and Target have removed the affected eye drops from their shelves. The FDA has advised consumers not to purchase or use eye drops from these and other stores that have been identified as carrying contaminated products.
3. Specific Products
The FDA specifically warned against using products like Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop sold by Walmart, Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops, and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops due to risks of bacterial and fungal contamination.
4. Voluntary Recalls by Companies
Cardinal Health, Inc. voluntarily recalled all lots of ophthalmic products supplied by Velocity. Rugby Laboratories was another company that issued a voluntary recall of its eye drop products.
5. Extent of the Outbreak
The CDC has reported nearly 70 cases in the U.S. linked to the contaminated eye drops, which have resulted in several deaths. This prompted the first recall to be issued in February 2023, and since then, there have been additional recalls as more information has come to light.
6. FDA Warnings
The FDA has warned against the use of 27 over-the-counter eye drops, highlighting the potential for eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. Unsatisfactory sanitary conditions were found at a manufacturing facility, raising concerns about the overall safety of the production process.
7. Timeline of Recalls
The recalls began in early February 2023, and since then, three specific types of eye drops have been recalled in the United States after multiple reports of illness associated with these drops were reported to the CDC.
To learn whether you might have a legal claim arising from your purchase and use of the eye drops mentioned above, please contact Audet & Partners, LLP by completing and submitting the inquiry form on the right side of this page or by giving us a call at (800) 965-1461.