Van Wey, Metzler & Williams is closely monitoring the recent recall of certain eye drops that may cause serious eye damage, blindness or even death. The recall has been issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to concerns over potential contamination. The affected eye drops were distributed nationwide and sold over the counter at various retailers.
Consumers who have used these eye drops and experienced serious eye damage, blindness or death may be eligible to file a claim.
Everything You Need to Know About the Outbreak of Drug-Resistant Bacteria Linked to Recalled Eye Drops
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued recalls for several eye drop brands that have been linked to an outbreak of antibiotic resistant bacteria. This bacteria, known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, has caused three deaths and multiple cases of people going blind. As of March 14, 2023, 68 patients in 16 states have contracted the multidrug resistant bacteria, and eight of them have lost their vision. Four patients have also had their eyeballs surgically removed due to the infection.
Millions of consumers use nonprescription, over-the-counter eye drops daily as a remedy for dryness, irritation, and other mild eye conditions. However, the recalls of several eye drop brands have left some regular users of the products wondering whether they are safe. Here’s what you should know.
Which Brands of Drops Have Been Recalled?
Several eye drop brands have been recalled due to bacterial contamination. They include:
- EzriCare and Delsam Pharma “Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops”: Global Pharma Healthcare recalled all lots of its EzriCare and Delsam Pharma brands of “Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops” on February 2, 2023, due to possible microbial contamination. At the time of the recall, there were 55 reports of adverse reactions to the drops, including eye infections, permanent vision loss, and one death from a bloodstream infection.
- Delsam Pharma “Artificial Eye Ointment”: Global Pharma recalled one batch of Delsam Pharma’s “Artificial Eye Ointment” on February 24, 2023, due to possible microbial contamination. The company said that using the contaminated ointment could lead to infections that cause blindness, although it has not received any reports of injuries related to the product.
- Apotex “Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%”: On March 1, 2023, Apotex recalled six lots of its brand of glaucoma drops, called “Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%,” which is for patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The company initiated the recall “out of an abundance of caution” over concerns that cracks in some of the units’ caps could compromise the drops’ sterility and lead to infection.
- Pharmedica “Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops”: Pharmaceutical firm Pharmedica USA recalled two lots of “Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops” in March 2023, also due to sterility concerns. The company warned that patients who use the contaminated eye drops could risk going blind, but it has not received any reports of infection or illness related to its product.
- Lubricant Eye Drops Moisturizing, 15 mL
1 lot; NDC: 0363-0185-13
- Lubricant Eye Drops Moisturizing Twin Pack, 2 x 15 mL
1 lot; NDC: 0363-0185-49
- Sodium Chloride Ophthalmic Ointment, 5% Hypertonicity Eye Ointment, 3.5 gm
1 lot; NDC: 0363-7500-50
- Sodium Chloride Ophthalmic Solution, 5% Hypertonicity Eye Drops, 15 mL
2 lots; NDC: 0363-0193-13
- Lubricant Eye Ointment PF Soothing, 3.5 gm
1 lot; NDC: 0363-0191-50
- Equate Restore Tears Lubricant Eye Drops Twin Pack, 2 x 15 mL
4 lots; NDC: 49035-189-49
- Equate Eye Allergy Relief Drops, 15 mL
15 lots; NDC: 49035-887-13
- Equate Sterile Lubricant Stye Ointment, 3.5 gm
8 lots; NDC: 49035-875-50
- Equate Comfort Gel Lubricant Eye Gel Twin Pack, 2 x 15 mL
6 lots; NDC: 49035-197-49
- Equate Restore PM Nighttime Lubricant Eye Ointment, 3.5 gm
18 lots; NDC: 49035-191-50
- Equate Night & Day Restore Tears Lubricant Eye Pack, 3.5g and 15mL
4 lots; NDC: 49035-883-59
- Equate Support Advanced Twin Pack, 2 x 15 mL
2 lots; NDC: 49035-885-49
- Equate Support Advanced Lubricating Eye Drops Dose Preservative Free, 25 count (0.6 mL fill)
7 lots; NDC: 49035-882-54
- Equate Support Advanced Lubricant Gel Drops Multi Dose Preservative Free, 7.5 mL
4 lots; NDC: 49035-882-52
- Equate Support Moisture Lubricant Eye Drops, 10 mL
5 lots; NDC: 49035-145-10
- Support Harmony Lubricant Eye Drops, 10 mL
1 lot; NDC: 49035-145-10
- Neomycin and Polymixin B and Bacitracin Zinc Ophthalmic Ointment, 3.5 gm
2 lots; NDC: 0574-4250-35
- NEO-POLY DEX (Neomycin, Polymixin B and Dexamethasone) Ophthalmic Ointment, 3.5 gm
28 lots; NDC: 0574-4160-35
- NEO-POLYCIN HC (Neomycin, Polymixin B, Bacitracin Zinc and Hydrocortisone Acetate) Ophthalmic Ointment, 3.5 gm
4 lots; NDC: 0574-4144-35
- POLYCIN (Polymixin B and Bacitracin Zinc) Ophthalmic Ointment, 3.5 gm
12 lots; NDC: 0574-4021-35
- Bacitracin Ophthalmic Ointment, 3.5 gm
11 lots; NDC: 0574-4022-35
- Sulfacetamide Sodium Ophthalmic Ointment, 3.5 gm
2 lots; NDC: 0574-4190-35
- Puralube Ophthalmic Ointment, 1-3.5 gm
11 lots; NDC 0574-4025-35 and 0574-4025-20
To stay up to date, or to check a particular brand name or batch number, we recommend visiting the FDA website for more information.
How Were Problems with Eye Drops First Detected?
According to the Associated Press, a patient in Los Angeles County, California, who had seen an ophthalmologist in the spring of 2022 developed an eye infection. Local health officials identified several more cases in subsequent months, with patients reporting eyes inflamed with heavy yellow pus that obscured most of the pupil.
The hospital that reported the first infection determined it was caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which can cause infections in the blood, lungs, or other parts of the body. The institution also determined the bacteria is resistant to many antibiotics.
Over the course of the year, other states received multiple reports of drug-resistant Pseudomonas infections, including a report of a Washington man who died after suffering a bloodstream infection linked to over-the-counter eye drops.
What to do If You Have Used Eye Drop Products Subject to Recall
Anyone who has used eye drop products subject to the recent recall and has developed serious eye damage, blindness, or lost a loved one who died due to the use of one of these products, should contact the knowledgeable attorneys at Van Wey, Metzler & Williams immediately. You may be eligible to file an eye drop recall lawsuit.
If you have been seriously harmed by a product, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a reliable personal injury attorney as soon as possible. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, our team specializes in serious personal injury cases that include product liability.
Why Choose Our Law Firm
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, you will find dedicated personal injury attorneys in Dallas, TX who prioritize your needs and wellbeing, as well as your case. When you work with one of our attorneys, you will experience a hands-on approach to building your case, with a focus on understanding your unique situation and needs. This means you can focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your personal injury lawsuit.
Navigating the legal system is challenging, especially when you are trying to recover from an injury or illness caused by someone else’s negligence. For clients who have been injured by dangerous products, filing a personal injury claim can be exceptionally difficult. Proving that your injury or illness was the direct result of a manufacturer’s negligence can be complicated.
For over three decades, Kay Van Wey has prioritized her clients by dedicating herself to understanding the legal landscape surrounding personal injury lawsuits. Attorney Van Wey, and her award-winning partners, Luke Metzler and Brady Williams have the expertise to assess the facts and uncover negligent practices that lead to these types of injuries.
When you work with Kay Van Wey, you are working with an experienced attorney who has made it her mission to seek justice for victims of wrongful injury, illness, and death. No one should suffer from a tragedy that could have been prevented had others been more careful, but when these situations arise, Kay Van Wey and her team are here to help
If you or someone you know has used eye drop products subject to recall and experienced life-altering health issues, we invite you to reach out to our team and schedule a free consultation where we can help determine if you may be eligible for an eye drop recall lawsuit settlement – call today.
