This announcement comes on the heels of a recall of Indian-made eyedrops last month, which were linked to an outbreak of drug-resistant infections, resulting in one death and at least five people losing their vision permanently.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued separate recall notices for certain eyedrops distributed by Pharmedica and Apotex, following announcements by both companies that they were voluntarily withdrawing several lots of their products from the market. The recalls were carried out in consultation with the FDA, according to both companies.
On Friday, Pharmedica recalled two lots of its Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops, which are over-the-counter eyedrops used to treat eye irritation. Because of contamination issues, the recalled eyedrops could cause blindness, according to the company. The recall affects nearly 2,900 bottles of the Arizona-made product, and consumers who have purchased it are urged to stop using it immediately and return it to the place of purchase.
The FDA issued a separate recall announcement from Apotex last week, recalling six lots of prescription eyedrops used to treat a type of glaucoma. The recall was initiated after the company discovered cracks in a handful of bottle caps, which could affect the product’s sterility and potentially cause harm to users. The recalled drops, known as Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution. 0.15%, were sold between April and February of this year.
The two recalls have nothing to do with the nonprescription eye drops that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised consumers to stop using last month after they were linked to multidrug-resistant bacterial infections that resulted in at least one death and permanent vision loss in some patients. According to the CDC’s health alert, at least 55 patients in 12 states have been diagnosed with these infections, which are possibly linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears.
The FDA advises consumers to be cautious when using eyedrops and to report any problems to the agency. The FDA posted the voluntary recall notices from Pharmedica and Apotex on its website and advises customers who bought the recalled products to return them to the place of purchase and contact a doctor if they have any problems.
Featured image: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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