FDA Warning: Eyedrops from CVS, Cardinal, Rite Aid, and Others Could Cause Blindness
The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers against the use of over two dozen varieties of eyedrops that can cause blindness.
The regulator warns the consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eyedrop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness.
Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these products should talk to their healthcare provider or seek medical care immediately.
What are those Companies?
The advisory applied to lubricating drops of six companies. These are CVS Health, Velocity Pharma, Target, Rite Aid, and Leader and Rugby (both of Cardinal Health). The agency has also issued a list of products that the FDA says “are intended to be sterile”. These products pose a potentially heightened risk of harm to users because “drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.”
On October 25, 2023, the regulator recommended the manufacturers recall all lots. After the FDA’s inspectors found “insanitary manufacturing conditions” and positive bacterial test results at the facility producing the drops. It also recommended the consumers properly discard these products.
CVS, Rite Aid, and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites. Products branded as Leader, Rugby, and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores and online and should not be purchased.
At the time of the announcement, the FDA did not receive reports of any eye infection related to these products. However, the agency encouraged doctors and patients to report through the FDA’s online reporting system.
