The FDA warned consumers not to use certain Rite Aid Eye Drops due to “insanitary conditions” in the manufacturing facility that could lead to severe eye infections, vision loss, or blindness.
Need a Texas Rite Aid Eye Drops Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were diagnosed with a severe eye infection from eye drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Rite Aid Eye Drops Linked to Infection Risk
In October 2023, the FDA warned consumers to immediately stop using 27 over-the-counter eye drop products due to a risk of infections that could result in vision loss or blindness.
List of Rite Aid Eye Drops Consumers Should NOT Use
The warning involves 27 eye drop products from Rite Aid, CVS, Target, Walmart, and other stores, as well as Leader® and Rugby® eye drops. The list includes 6 products from Rite Aid, including:
- Rite Aid Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack): Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5%
- Rite Aid Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack): Propylene Glycol 0.6%
- Rite Aid Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml: Hypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, Dextran 70 0.1%
- Rite Aid Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml: Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 1%
- Rite Aid Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml: Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% and Propylene Glycol 0.3%
- Rite Aid Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml: Polyvinyl Alcohol 0.5%, Povidone 0.6% and Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05%
What Happened?
The FDA issued a Safety Warning after investigators found “insanitary conditions” in the manufacturing facility. Bacteria was also found in “critical drug production areas” where the eye drops were manufactured.
Eye Drops Linked to 6 Injuries, Including Vision Loss
Six adverse events were linked to eye drops listed in the FDA Safety Warning. Three injuries involved Rugby® eye drops, including burning eyes, blurry vision and vision loss. Another 3 injuries were linked to Leader® eye drops, but the specific types of injuries were not listed.
Why Must Eye Drops Be Sterile?
Over-the-counter eye drops are supposed to be sterile, which means they do not contain bacteria or other living microorganisms. Non-sterile eye drops are especially dangerous because they are applied directly to the eyes, bypassing some of the body’s natural defenses.
What is the Risk?
Infections that begin in the eyes can quickly cause severe vision problems, including blurry vision, partial vision loss, permanent blindness, or loss of the eye itself. Infections can also spread beyond the eyes to other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream.
Deadly Eye Infection Outbreak Linked to Eye Drops
In early 2023, an outbreak of eye infections was linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears, a lubricating eye drop product that was contaminated with highly antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas bacteria. At least 4 people died and 81 other people were infected in the outbreak.
Symptoms of Eye Infections
- Blurry vision
- Discharge
- Pain or discomfort in the eyes
- Redness
- Feeling like something is in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Vision loss
- Blindness
Need a Rite Aid Eye Drops Lawyer in Texas?
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