FDA warns against using two dozen eye drop products sold at CVS and Rite Aid over risk of infection and vision loss
In a recent development that has sent ripples through the healthcare industry, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a stern warning to consumers regarding the potential hazards posed by two dozen eye drop products readily available at major retailers. These products, intended to soothe and alleviate dry or irritated eyes, have been marketed under various brand names, including CVS Health, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), Rite Aid, Velocity Pharma, and Target’s Up & Up brand.
The FDA’s urgent message stems from the alarming discovery of “insanitary conditions” within the manufacturing facility responsible for producing these eye drops. To further compound the concerns, bacterial contamination was detected in environmental samples collected from critical drug production areas within the facility.
While the FDA refrained from publicly identifying the manufacturer responsible for these substandard conditions, CVS and Cardinal Health have confirmed that Velocity Pharma supplied the affected eye drop products. This revelation sheds light on the source of the contamination issue.
Federal health officials have responded swiftly to these concerns, prompting retail giants CVS, Rite Aid, and Target to remove the problematic eye drop products from their store shelves and online marketplaces. However, regulators have cautioned that products labeled under the Leader, Rugby, and Velocity brands may still be available for purchase in some stores and online platforms.
CVS, demonstrating a commitment to consumer safety, has promptly halted the sale of all Velocity Pharma-supplied products within their CVS Health Brand Eye Products portfolio. Additionally, they have extended a refund policy for consumers who have already purchased these products.
Cardinal Health, the parent company of the Leader and Rugby brands, has also taken proactive measures. They have placed all affected eye drop products on hold and are collaborating with Velocity Pharma and the FDA to initiate a recall of all Rugby Laboratories and Cardinal Health Leader branded eye drop products. They have expressed their intention to work closely with Velocity Pharma to gain a deeper understanding of the unsanitary conditions identified by the FDA at the manufacturing facility.
As of now, Target, Rite Aid, and Velocity Pharma have remained silent regarding inquiries from FOX Business on this matter.
The FDA has directed the manufacturers of the affected products to initiate a recall as of October 25. The exact nature of the bacteria found during testing has not been disclosed by the FDA at this time.
It is crucial to note that the FDA has not linked this warning to a prior outbreak of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was associated with eye products from Global Pharma Healthcare.
The significance of this warning lies in the fact that these eye products are “intended to be sterile.” However, ophthalmic drug products, or those related to the eye, pose a “heightened risk of harm” due to the unique vulnerability of the eye to infections, as these drugs bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.
Despite the lack of reported eye infections directly linked to these products, consumers are advised to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any eye-related symptoms, such as irritation, redness, worsening pain, light sensitivity, sudden blurry vision, unusual watering, or discharge. These symptoms should be reported even after contact lens removal, as per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In conclusion, consumers should exercise caution when selecting eye drop products and stay informed about FDA advisories and recalls to safeguard their eye health. The FDA and major retailers are taking decisive actions to mitigate the risks associated with these eye drops, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring consumer safety and well-being.
