The US health regulator has asked the consumers not to purchase and immediately stop using the products over the risk of infections that can cause partial vision loss or blindness
FDA warns of infection risks from certain eye drops. (Credit: Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash)
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to customers about the usage of 26 over-the-counter (OTC) eye drop products from several major brands due to the potential risk of eye infection.
These eye drop products were primarily intended for the treatment of symptoms of dry eyes and to give relief against eye irritation.
FDA asked consumers not to purchase and immediately stop using the products over the risk of infections that can cause partial vision loss or blindness.
After using these medications, patients who experience any signs or symptoms of an eye infection should consult their healthcare provider or get medical attention right away, the agency said.
The American health regulator has issued the alert for brands like CVS Health, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), Rite Aid, Target Up&Up, and Velocity Pharma.
FDA said that the products are designed to be sterile. However, the agency stated that products containing ophthalmic medications can be more dangerous for consumers since they circumvent some of the body’s natural defenses when administered to the eyes.
On 25 October 2023, the agency advised the producer of these items to recall all batches after its investigators found unhygienic conditions in the manufacturing facility.
The investigators also reported positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling in crucial drug production areas within the facility.
The health regulator said: “CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites.
“Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased.”
As of now, the FDA said that it has not received any report of adverse events of eye infection associated with these products.
Recently, the agency warned the public, including healthcare providers, about the potential risk of giving probiotic products to hospitalised preterm infants.