COLUMBUS, Ohio — Health regulators in the United States are cautioning consumers against using more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops due to the potential risk of infections that could result in blindness.
The advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) specifically pertains to lubricating drops offered by six companies, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid, and Cardinal Health. In a statement released on Friday, the FDA urged consumers to discontinue the use of these products immediately and refrain from purchasing any remaining stock on pharmacy and store shelves.
Last week, the FDA requested the companies to recall their products after inspectors discovered unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the facility responsible for manufacturing the drops. The FDA, however, did not disclose the location of the factory or the date of the inspection.
No injuries associated with the use of these products were reported at the time of the announcement. Nevertheless, the FDA encouraged doctors and patients to submit cases through the agency’s online reporting system.
In a related development earlier this year, federal officials identified an outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria linked to eyedrops from two companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. Over 80 individuals in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections caused by the rare bacterial strain, according to the most recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Following the recall of the products in February, health inspectors conducted a visit to the manufacturing plant in India responsible for producing the eyedrops. The inspection revealed issues with the manufacturing and testing processes, including inadequate sterility measures.