Why You Need To Stop Using Certain Artificial Tears Eye Drops

The FDA is warning consumers to stop purchasing artificial tear products that may be contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria. Three products manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare Private Limited have been recalled in the last few weeks: EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment. The products are linked to an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that can cause blood and lung infections. Some eye drop users have experienced vision loss, and at least one death has been reported from bloodstream infection. 

If you have used these eye products, you must stop immediately to avoid adverse health effects. If you’ve already experienced health complications that may be linked to eye drop use, you should report your symptoms to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. You should also consider contacting a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options. When a dangerous drug or product causes injuries, you can seek damages from manufacturers who may have acted negligently.

Why People Use Artificial Tears 

Dry eye disease is a medical condition affecting millions of people yearly. Most commonly caused by aging and medication side effects, it occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears. The condition can cause problems like redness, inflammation, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. The most common treatment for dry eyes is artificial tears, often available without a prescription. These products contain lubricating ingredients that mimic natural tear production. A doctor might instruct someone with a dry eye condition to use eye drops multiple times daily.

Eye drops are usually affordable and effective, making them popular for treating dry eye symptoms at home. Consumers have no reason to believe that eye drops may not be safe. Major retailers like Walmart and Amazon sold EzriCare Artificial Tears before the recall, and the FDA requires eye products to be sterile. When contamination does happen, the results can be catastrophic.

EzriCare & Delsam Pharma Recall

Last summer, it is reported four patients in Los Angeles County were diagnosed with eye infections after going to the ophthalmologist with complaints of inflammation. Two of those patients lost vision entirely in their affected eyes. After testing, the hospital discovered the infection was caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and alerted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Because the eye connects to the nasal cavity through tear ducts, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body. 

In the months after, dozens of patients experienced similar symptoms. Officials didn’t know how people were exposed to the bacteria, but testing revealed that it was a new strain not seen in the U.S. before. An investigation eventually pointed toward EzriCare Artificial Tears as the culprit. The Pseudomonas bacteria is rare in the U.S., but it’s common in India, where the artificial tears product is manufactured. Nine months after the first infection was reported, the CDC issued a health alert, and the FDA announced a recall. 

The FDA also placed Global Pharma on import alert, which effectively blocks any of the company’s products from entering the U.S. Officials say that the decision was unrelated to the recall and implemented because of an unsatisfactory response to a records request and not complying with manufacturing best practices. While the FDA regularly inspects U.S.-based manufacturers, it cannot do the same overseas. 

Eye Drop Lawsuits 

When you buy a product at your local grocery store that promises relief, you don’t think it will worsen your health. Some people who purchased EzriCare products have suffered irreversible damage after using the product and will struggle to recover fully. If you’ve developed an eye infection after using the affected Global Pharma eye drop products, you may be able to file an EzriCare lawsuit against the manufacturer. Companies have a responsibility to only market safe products to the public. Even if a manufacturer didn’t know about a potential risk, they might still be liable in court for negligence if there’s evidence that they should have known about the danger. 

The Atlanta personal injury attorneys at Childers, Schlueter, & Smith have extensive experience litigating product liability cases, including dangerous drug and defective product claims. You have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, and our EzriCare Lawsuit Lawyers can help you navigate the process. Call us at (800) 641-0098 or message us online for more information or to schedule a free case consultation.