In early 2023, severe eye infections were recorded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC.
Nearly 100 of these cases involved the use of Ezricare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, raising concerns about the possibility of potential bacterial contamination.
The emergence of these cases prompted an investigation by the CDC.
According to the CDC, many bottles of artificial tears from Global Pharma Healthcare showed signs of extensive bacterial contamination.
The bottles of artificial tears from Global Pharma Healthcare contained traces of a drug-resistant bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa’s presence in many bottles of Ezricare Artificial Tears caused Global Pharma Healthcare and the distributors of artificial tears (lubricant eye drops) to recall their products.
The recalled eye drops include:
- EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops.
- Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops.
- Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment.
- Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%.
- Purely Smoothing 15% MSM Drops.
The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) warns consumers against using these products.
According to the FDA, the above products place users at high risk for severe bacterial eye infections.
If you’re developing eye pain, blurry vision, or other signs of vision loss from using either of the products mentioned here, don’t delay.
Seek medical treatment immediately, stop using your EzriCare eye drops, and contact an attorney.
When Were the Contaminated Artificial Tears Recalled?
EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears were recalled in February 2023.
According to Consumer Reports, the recall order came from the CDC and was due to findings of extensive bacterial contamination in these artificial eye drop products.
Besides the CDC’s order, widespread reports of eye infections and vision loss prompted the makers and distributors of these eye drops to recall their products.
By March 2023, the CDC recorded more than 80 cases of eye infections and vision loss resulting from the use of EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s artificial tears products.
The complaints came from nearly 20 states.
Worse yet, of the cases of eye infection reported, there were a handful of deaths resulting from Ezricare and Delsam Pharma eye drop usage.
Recalls do nothing to undo the damage caused by bacterial contamination in the artificial tears products mentioned.
If you are a victim of vision loss from eye drop caused-infection, you may be eligible to take legal action and hold negligent manufacturers and distributors accountable.
Contact us now for a free consultation.
You can also use our chatbot and see if you qualify for a lawsuit.
FDA Finds Unsanitary Conditions at Global Healthcare Pharma Facility
The FDA inspected the facility that produced the recalled eye drops, finding dozens of issues that may have resulted in the rare strain of bacteria (pseudomonas aeruginosa) finding its way into the eye drops and artificial tears.
Detailed in citations served to the company, the FDA said that the company “…used a manufacturing process that lacked assurance of product sterility.”
The Global Healthcare Pharma facility had poor cleaning procedures, gaps in written procedures and training for workers at the plant, dirty machines used to fill its product into bottles, and other safety concerns.