Aru Pharma, EzriCare, Purely Soothing, and Delsam Pharma eyedrops have all been voluntarily recalled after a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announcement that the products can cause permanent blindness, fatal infections, and other eye injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified at least 55 people who suffered serious eye injuries after using bacteria-contaminated eyedrops, as well as one person who passed away from a severe bloodstream infection. The contaminated batches of eyedrops were distributed to 12 states, which are all participating in the recall.
Retailers have been instructed to remove the recalled products from shelves and discard them immediately. The product makers are urging all consumers to immediately stop the use of their products, too, and contact the company for a replacement.
If you use bacteria-contaminated eyedrops, you might initially experience:
- Eye strain or blurry vision
- Sensitivity to light or migraines
- Deep redness of the eye or sclera
- Eye pain or discomfort
Please seek medical attention immediately if you have used an Aru Pharma, EzriCare, Purely Soothing, or Delsam Pharma-brand eyedrop product and are now experiencing eye injury symptoms.
Recalled Batches of Eyedrops
Eyedrops recalled by the FDA include*:
- EzriCare Artificial Tears eyedrops:
- NDC Number 79503-0101-15
- UPC Number 3 79503 10115 7
- Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears and Lubricant eyedrops:
- NDC Number 72570-121-15
- UPC Number 72570-0121-15
- Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops:
- LOT Number 2203PS01
- LOT Number 1808051
- UPC Number 7-31034-91379-9
- UPC Number 7-31034-91382-9
- All Aru Pharma branded eyedrops
The common thread in all the recalled eyedrops is the lack of preservatives in the product formula. Specifically, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has noted that benzalkonium chloride (BAK) is a commonly used preservative in eyedrops, which not only extends the shelf-life of the product but also helps prevent bacterial growth. Each recalled eyedrop product does not contain BAK or another similar preservative.
Preservatives in eyedrops can cause eye dryness and irritation in some users, though. Please speak to your doctor if you need to take eyedrops regularly to find an alternative product that works for you.
(* This list of recalled eyedrops products could continue to grow in the coming weeks or months. Be sure to visit our blog often for updates as they become available.)
How Consumers Should Handle the Eyedrop Recall
- Stop using the recalled eyedrops immediately. If you have any eye injury symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
- Seal the eyedrops and store them in a place inaccessible to children and pets. Wash your hands thoroughly. Inform your household to not use the sealed eyedrops for any reason.
- Contact an attorney about filing an eyedrop injury lawsuit. Ask if you should keep or discard the product. In some cases, a product liability lawyer may want to inspect the defective product themselves before it is discarded.
Can Eyedrop Manufacturers Be Held Liable?
Due to strict product liability laws, the manufacturers of the recalled eyedrops can likely be held liable for any harm caused by their products. Whether the bacterial contamination in the eyedrops was caused by a problem with the formula or a defect on the manufacturing line, the companies should be responsible for those mistakes. At this time, individual lawsuits are forming, but it is also expected that multidistrict litigation (MDL) may become necessary due to the high volume of people affected by the recalled eyedrops.
Lyons & Simmons and our FDA eyedrop recall attorneys are investigating the situation closely. We are a nationwide law firm staffed with award-winning trial lawyers. Thanks to our reputation, experience, and vast resources, we are prepared to bring lawsuits against these negligent eyedrop manufacturers. Please call (844) 297-8898 to arrange a free consultation with our firm if you or a loved one have suffered a serious eye injury or infection after using eyedrops.