Eyedrops From CVS, Rite Aid and Others Carry Possible Infection Risk, FDA Says

October 30, 2023
Eyedrops From CVS, Rite Aid and Others Carry Possible Infection Risk, FDA Says
A sign for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is displayed outside their offices in Silver Spring, Md., Dec. 10, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta, File)

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators are warning consumers not to use more than two dozen varieties of over-the-counter eyedrops because of the risk of infections that could lead to blindness.

The Food and Drug Administration advisory applies to lubricating drops sold by six companies, including CVS Health, Target, Rite Aid and Cardinal Health. Consumers should stop using the products immediately and avoid purchasing any that remain on pharmacy and store shelves, the FDA said in a statement Friday.

The agency asked the companies to recall their products last week, because FDA inspectors found unsanitary conditions and bacteria at the facility producing the drops. The FDA did not disclose the location of the factory or when it was inspected.

No injuries related to the products had been reported at the time of the announcement, but the FDA encouraged doctors and patients to submit cases through the agency’s online reporting system.

Earlier this year, federal officials linked an outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria to eyedrops from two companies, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma. More than 80 people in the U.S. tested positive for eye infections from the rare bacterial strain, according to the most recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

After the products were recalled in February, health inspectors visited the manufacturing plant in India that made the eyedrops and uncovered problems with how they were made and tested, including inadequate sterility measures.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

A+
a-
  • CVS
  • eyedrops
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Rite Aid
  • In The News

    Health

    Voting

    Health

    December 4, 2023
    by Jesse Zucker
    Self-Care Tips for When You’re Sick

    WASHINGTON — Welcome to December. ‘Tis the season for bundling up in cozy sweaters and sniffling all the way. While... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Welcome to December. ‘Tis the season for bundling up in cozy sweaters and sniffling all the way. While there are things you can do to boost your immune system and avoid illness, sometimes catching a cold, the flu or COVID-19 happens anyway.  Taking steps... Read More

    December 4, 2023
    by Jesse Zucker
    How to Shovel Snow Without Getting Hurt

    WASHINGTON — Waking up to a beautiful snowy day was fun when you were a kid. As an adult, it... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Waking up to a beautiful snowy day was fun when you were a kid. As an adult, it means work. While the kids get to play, you’re responsible for shoveling your driveway or walkway, or digging your car out from under a mound of... Read More

    Anthony Fauci to Testify Before Congress on COVID Origins and US Pandemic Response

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Anthony Fauci, former chief White House medical adviser, is expected to testify before Congress early next year... Read More

    WASHINGTON (AP) — Anthony Fauci, former chief White House medical adviser, is expected to testify before Congress early next year as part of Republicans' yearslong investigation into the origins of COVID-19 and the U.S. response to the disease. Fauci, who served as the nation's top infectious... Read More

    November 29, 2023
    by Tom Ramstack
    Congress Confronted With Pros and Cons of Health Care AI

    WASHINGTON — A congressional committee took a cautious step Wednesday into the prospects for artificial intelligence to improve health care.... Read More

    WASHINGTON — A congressional committee took a cautious step Wednesday into the prospects for artificial intelligence to improve health care. The benefits could be great but so could the risks to privacy, according to medical personnel who testified before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee. “It... Read More

    November 29, 2023
    by Jesse Zucker
    Guide to Preparing Healthy Meals for the Work Week

    WASHINGTON — When you’re always on the go it’s hard to find the time to prepare healthy meals. There’s nothing... Read More

    WASHINGTON — When you’re always on the go it’s hard to find the time to prepare healthy meals. There’s nothing wrong with grabbing some meals out, but the financial and health costs can add up. Eating homemade, healthy, balanced meals fuels your body and brain and... Read More

    November 28, 2023
    by Tom Ramstack
    Senate Considers Public Health Strategy to Control Rising Gun Violence

    WASHINGTON — Perplexing problems of gun violence returned to a Senate hearing Tuesday, this time with a proposal for treating... Read More

    WASHINGTON — Perplexing problems of gun violence returned to a Senate hearing Tuesday, this time with a proposal for treating it as a public health crisis rather than purely a law enforcement issue. A near record surge in violence has resulted in more than 38,000 Americans... Read More

    News From The Well
    scroll top