All eye drop users should check out the FDA’s list of 26 different eye drops that could cause infection or even blindness.
The FDA has reported that Velocity Pharma manufactured its eye drops under “insanitary conditions”. The FDA has urged users to discard the contaminated eye drops and to familiarize themselves with the list, as various brand names including major retailers like CVS, Target, Walmart, and Rite Aid were affected.
These retailers are putting in a lot of effort to remove the contaminated products from their stores. A representative from CVS told the Washington Post, “We’re committed to ensuring the products we offer are safe, work as intended and satisfy customers, and are fully cooperating with the FDA on this matter.”
It is crucial for consumers to stay alert and cautious when purchasing any eye drop products, as the contaminated ones may still be available to purchase from other retailers. The FDA advises consumers to remain informed and take necessary measures to safeguard themselves and their loved ones from any potential harm.
The FDA is advising people to seek medical care if they suspect they have an infection instead of attempting to treat it themselves. It is highly recommended that people contact a healthcare provider or seek medical attention immediately if they experience any signs or symptoms of an eye infection, especially after using these products. Knowing the warning signs of an eye infection is important.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, early symptoms of an eye infection include watery eyes, swelling, eye pain, or redness. These symptoms can potentially progress into discharge from the eye, a fever, or blurred vision. It is important to keep track of and document all symptoms to discuss with your eye doctor to determine the severity of the infection.
It’s worth noting that this is not the only major eye drop recall that has happened this year. In March, seven different eye drops were recalled due to concerns about their sterility after 55 serious bacterial infections were linked to their use. It was revealed that the eye drops contained Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a drug-resistant bacteria, according to CBS News.
Healthcare professionals have expressed their frustration around this issue. Teresa Murray, a consumer watchdog at U.S. PIRG Education Fund said in a statement that this recall is “infuriating.”
“First, prior to this FDA warning, there have been three major eye drop recalls this year for bacterial contamination or unsterile products. Why has it taken this long for the FDA to discover this much broader problem?” Murray said in a statement.
It appears that the FDA is taking swift action to prevent a recurrence of the issue, while consumers can do their part by familiarizing themselves with the complete list of recalled goods.
Here is a full list of the recently recalled eye drops:
CVS Health
- Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
- Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
- Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)
- Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
- Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
- Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml
- Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)
- Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
- Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
Rugby (Cardinal Health)
- Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml
- Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
Leader (Cardinal Health)
- Dry Eye Relief 10 ml
- Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
- Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
- Dry Eye Relief 15 ml
- Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml
Rite Aid
- Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
- Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
- Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml
- Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml
- Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml
- Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
Target
- Up&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml
- Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single pack)
- Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml (twin pack)
Velocity Pharma
- Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml (triple pack)