Eye Drop Recalls: What You Should Know
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What You Should Know About Recent Eye Drop Recalls

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm on March 22, 2023 in Defective Healthcare Products, Recalls. Updated on June 2, 2023

Woman putting eye drops in her eyeThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall of several eye drop brands. The announcement from the health regulator comes after a voluntary recall in February from the manufacturer of an eyedrop brand produced in India that caused serious health issues for several individuals.

Two more brands are included in the latest recall due to concerns about the sterility of the product.

If you were affected by these defective eye drops, call our defective products lawyers in Sacramento today. We offer a free consultation to determine your legal options. We also do not charge you anything while we work on your case.

What Eye Drops Were Recalled?

In February 2023, the FDA issued a statement notifying the public that Global Pharma Healthcare was issuing a voluntary recall of Artificial Tears Lubricant Eyedrops. These eye drops were distributed by EzriCare, LLC and Delsam Pharma.

In its notice to the public, the FDA urged consumers not to purchase or use the eye drop product stating, “using contaminated artificial tears increases risk of eye infections that could result in blindness or death. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately.”

Then, in early March 2023, the FDA issued another statement recalling two more eyedrop brands:

  • Apotex Corp. Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution
  • Pharmedica USA LLC Purely Soothing MSM Drops

Both eye drops from Global Pharma Healthcare were manufactured in India. The other two recalled brands were manufactured in Arizona.

The companies issued the voluntary recalls in consultation with the FDA.

Why Were These Eye Drops Recalled?

According to the recall notice, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) alerted the FDA to an investigation of possible drug-resistant bacteria in the Artificial Tears Eye Drops.

At the time of the recall, there were 55 reports of adverse events including the following:

  • Eye infections
  • Permanent vision loss
  • Death from a bloodstream infection

The CDC issued an update in late March stating at least three deaths have now been reported and many more adverse events recorded.

The eye drops manufactured by Apotex Corp. and Pharmedica were recalled due to concerns over the sterility of the products, which could lead to potential bacterial infections.

As of March 2023, no adverse events associated with Pharmedica’s eye drops have been reported.

What Are the Symptoms of an Eye Infection?

Concerns about these defective eye drops are due to potential bacterial infection since the products may be unsterile. The following are some of the most commonly known bacterial eye infections:

  • Conjunctivitis – also known as pink eye, this occurs when the blood vessels in the mucus membrane that covers the front of the eye and inside of the eyelid become infected with bacteria
  • Sty – when a small pimple or bump grows on the outer edges of the eyelid due to bacteria in the oil glands
  • Blepharitis – when the eyelid becomes inflamed due to the bacterial clogging of oil glands at the base of the eyelashes
  • Cellulitis – occurs when there is a scratch or cut on the eyelid that becomes infected with bacteria
  • Endophthalmitis – when the inside of the eye is severely inflamed due to a fungal or bacterial infection

If you have any of the following symptoms after using eye drops or eye ointment, you should see a doctor right away:

  • Red or swollen eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Pain in the eyes
  • Discharge around your eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Itchy eyes
  • Dry eyes
  • Blurred vision

Who May Be Liable for Damages From Dangerous Eye Drops?

Despite these companies issuing voluntary recalls of their potentially defective products, the manufacturer may be liable for damages if someone suffers an injury or dies.

If these pharmaceutical companies were aware of the potential presence of bacteria in their product yet did not take the necessary steps to adequately inform the public, then they could be liable. In this case, Apotex Corp., Pharmedica or Global Pharma Healthcare.

However, you must be able to prove the negligent actions of these companies is what resulted in your damages. This is why having an experienced attorney on your side could be in your best interest.

An attorney can subpoena relevant records and other information from the company to determine how long they knew of the risks and what steps they took to prevent harm.

In the past, pharmaceutical companies have taken steps to suppress damaging information to come to light. If your attorney can prove this, the drug manufacturer may be liable for punitive damages as well. These are sort of like fines in a criminal case.

In some instances, a doctor may be liable if he or she prescribed or recommended you take the eye drops, despite knowing about the recall. A pharmacy may also be liable if the product was not taken off the shelf or quarantined from other products so consumers could not purchase it.

Learn More About Your Legal Options. Call Us Today

If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a defective product, call our knowledgeable attorneys today.

We offer a free consultation to discuss your legal options. There is no obligation to take legal action.

We also do not charge you any hourly fees, as our lawyers work on contingency. This means we are only paid when we successfully recover compensation on behalf of our clients.

Call 916-777-7777 today to learn more.