FDA Issues Recall Of Eyedrops Sold At Walmart And Pharmacies

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers to immediately stop using 27 brands of popular eye drops distributed by stores such as CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, Leader, Rugby, and Velocity Pharma. The eye drops were recalled due to a potential risk of eye infection that could reportedly result in partial vision loss or blindness. The latest eye drop recall follows previous eye drop recalls that were announced earlier this year. The FDA issued the recall after its investigators found unsanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility where the eye drops were produced. The FDA found bacteria after testing environmental samples of critical production areas. The federal agency has yet to receive any reports of eye infections related to the tainted eye drops as of the issuing of the warning. All of the eye drops listed in the recall are over-the-counter products. No prescription eye drop products were listed in the recall.

The threat posed by tainted eye drops 

According to the FDA, “using contaminated eye drops could result in minor to serious vision-threatening infection which could possibly progress to a life-threatening infection.” The eye drops were believed to have both bacterial and fungal contamination.

The FDA has clamped down on eye drop manufacturers after a recall that took place in February 2023. In February, the FDA and CDC both advised against the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears as they may be linked to an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The eye drops are believed to be linked to numerous cases of hospitalization and blindness and at least one death.

Pseudomonas are a type of bacteria that is commonly found in soil and water. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections to the lungs, blood, and other parts of the body. Infections are most commonly found post-surgery.

Tainted eye drops and product liability 

Those who suffered infections due to the tainted eye drops can sue the manufacturer of the product and the companies that made the product available to customers. This includes stores like Walmart that sold the tainted eye drops to customers. Injured parties who suffered vision loss as a result of a bacterial infection could see a substantial payday. They would be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. In the event that their vision loss causes them to no longer be able to perform their job, they would be entitled to recover damages for the lost wages. That could be a substantial amount of money.

Additionally, there was one death that is believed to be associated with tainted eye drops. If true, then the family of the victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that manufactured the eye drops and the store that sold them.

Talk to a Florida Product Liability Lawyer Today 

If you’ve been injured by a product sold at Walmart, Target, or any other major retailer, you have a right to file a lawsuit to recover damages related to your injuries. The Florida personal injury lawyers at Halpern, Santos & Pinkert represent the interests of injured parties in product liability cases. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help.

Sources:

health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/fda-eye-drop-recall-dont-use-these-cvs-rite-aid-walmart-and-target-brands/2023/10

www.npr.org/2023/02/03/1154088634/ezricare-artificial-tears-recall-bacteria-cdc