Eye Drops That May Blind Users Recalled; Sold At CVS, Target, Rite Aid
Federal regulators are warning Americans not to use 26 over-the-counter eye drop products that they said could lead to eye infections — and partial vision loss or blindness.
By Tyler Durden - By Patch.com
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said the products were marketed under CVS, Target and Rite Aid brands, as well as Velocity Pharma and Leader and Rugby, both under Cardinal Health.
"Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately," a recall notice on the FDA's website said.
Regulators said these products are meant to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products potentially create a heightened risk of harm as they are applied directly to eyes and bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.
The FDA recommended that the manufacturer recall all lots Wednesday, Oct. 25, after investigators found unsanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility, and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of vital drug production areas in the facility.
Consumers should properly discard these products, the FDA said. That means taking them to a drug take-back site, or ensuring the eye drops aren't included on the agency's so-called “flush list.”
CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from shelves and websites. Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to buy in stores and online, but should not be purchased, the FDA warned.
The agency said it has not received any reports of eye infections associated with the eye drops.
Rite Aid confirmed to The New York Times it was removing applicable Rite Aid branded products from shelves. A CVS spokeswoman told the newspaper it “immediately stopped the sale in-store and online of all products supplied by Velocity Pharma within the CVS Health Brand Eye Products portfolio,” and that customers can return the eye drops for a refund.
Below are the affected products in the recall.
CVS Health
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack)
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Lubricating Gel drops 10 ml
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)
Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)
Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
Polyethylene Glycol 400 Eye Drop '0.25% w/v
Rugby (Cardinal Health)
Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml
Hypromellose 2910-0.3% w/v & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops
Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
Polyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops 1.4% w/v
Leader (Cardinal Health)
Dry Eye Relief 10 ml
Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Dry Eye Relief 15 ml
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml
Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
The Art of Liberty Foundation will be co-sponsoring a conference in Sedona, Arizona on November 3rd, 4th and 5th entitled: Liberty on the Rocks!
The conference brings together some of the leading lights in Liberty to discuss our current political situation and SOLUTIONS, including how to create local Liberty groups and Freedom Cells and how to move yourself out of organized crime’s crooked admiralty law system by correcting your status and standing. Friday night, there will be a VIP Dinner and concert Featuring Grant Prezence. Saturday we are at the Global Center for Christ Consciousness in Sedona for talks, workshops and a panel. There will be a Liberty expo with the ability to table. It is free for all on Saturday after 3:00 PM. Sunday we are taking folks for yoga and hiking in the most beautiful place on the planet. Get the details at