Eye Drop Recall: Everything You Need to Know Right Now

• A new recall for eye drops has impacted two lots of the Purely Soothing 15% MSM eye drops from Pharmedica USA.
• This is just the latest over-the-counter eye drop or ointment product to be recalled this year in the United States.
• In February India-based Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalled its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, which were distributed by EzriCare, LLC and Delsam Pharma.
• Global Pharma Healthcare issued another voluntary recall on Feb. 24 for its Artificial Eye Ointment due to “possible microbial contamination.”

Pharmedica USA issued a voluntary worldwide recall of two lots of its Purely Soothing, 15% MSM eye drops, the Food and Drug Administration announced March 3.

The recall notice warns consumers that the products being recalled are non-sterile, meaning they may contain bacteria or other germs.

“Use of contaminated eye drops can result in the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness,” the notice said.

Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo, an ophthalmologist and founder of twenty/twenty beauty, said symptoms of an eye infection can vary, but may include redness, itching eye pain, a gritty sensation in the eye, discharge, sensitivity to light or a decrease in vision.

“If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, no matter how mild, I encourage them to seek medical attention immediately,” she told Healthline.

Pharmedica has advised customers to immediately stop using the product, which can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

The Phoenix, Arizona-based company said in its notice that it has not received any reports of illness related to use of the recalled eye drops.

Purely Soothing, 15% MSM eye drops are an anti-inflammatory topical solution to relieve eye irritation and swelling.

The affected products were sold worldwide via e-commerce sites such as Amazon Marketplace, the company said.

The eye drops come in white, cylindrical bottles and have eye dropper caps and white lids. The products affected by the recall are:

• LOT#: 2203PS01, 1 oz, UPC 7 31034 91379 9
• LOT#: 1808051, ½ oz, UPC 7 31034 91382 9

Images of the labels for these products can be found with the recall notice.

Consumers with questions concerning the Purely Soothing, 15% MSM recall can contact Pharmedica by email at osm@pharmedicausa.com, or by calling (623) 698-1752 between the hours of 8 a.m and 5 p.m. Mountain Time.

Consumers who have experienced any problems that may be related to their use of this product should contact their physician or healthcare provider.

Other eye product recalls

Pharmedica’s product is the third over-the-counter eye drop or ointment product to be recalled this year in the United States.

On Feb. 2, India-based Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily recalled its Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, which were distributed by EzriCare, LLC and Delsam Pharma.

The product was recalled due to possible contamination with an antibiotic-resistant strain of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

As of March 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified 64 patients in 13 states who developed an eye infection after using EzriCare’s or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products.

One person has died and eight people lost their vision as a result of the infection, the agency said.

Global Pharma Healthcare issued another voluntary recall on Feb. 24 for its Artificial Eye Ointment due to “possible microbial contamination.”

At the time, the company had not received any reports of infections or other adverse events related to the product.

Soothing the eyes safely

To reduce the risk of infection when soothing your eyes, Hilal-Campo recommends choosing artificial tears that come in single-use vials.

“To use correctly, these single-use products should be opened and instilled with clean hands, and then immediately discarded,” she said.

Multi-use bottles increase the risk of spreading bacteria or other germs to the eye, because the dropper tip has more chances to come into contact with the eye, skin, or other surfaces.

Hilal-Campo also suggests that people choose preservative-free eye drops, which she says are easier on the surface of the eye.

In addition, “stick with large, trusted brands for your over-the-counter eyedrops — like Allergan, Alcon, and Bausch and Lomb,” she said.

Eye Drop Recall: Everything You Need to Know Right Now
Source: Pinoy Lang Sakalam

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