The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the recall of two eye ointment products due to possible bacterial contamination linked to blindness and death. The recalled eye drops, Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and Artificial Eye Ointment, are manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare and have been linked to a drug-resistant bacteria called Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. At least 58 infections have been linked to the eye drop recalls, resulting in one death and at least 5 patients suffering permanent vision loss.
If you or a loved one has suffered vision loss, severe injury, or death due to Global Pharma’s contaminated eye drop recall, contact the Minnesota Contaminated Product Attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella. Our firm is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and we represent individuals harmed by contaminated products nationwide. Contact us today for a free eye drop recall lawsuit consultation.
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FDA Eye Drop Recalls
The FDA announced the recall of all lots of Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops on February 2, 2023, citing possible bacterial contamination and recommending patients stop using the products immediately. The agency also froze imports from Global Pharma due to “inadequate response” to information requests and issues with its manufacturing protocol. The recall of one lot of Global Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment came weeks later, also due to possible product contamination.
The recalled eye drops are manufactured in India. Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops are distributed in the United States by EzriCare LLC and Delsam Pharma, and Artificial Eye Ointment is distributed by Delsam Pharma.
Infections Linked To Same Bacterial Strain
According to the Associated Press, the first confirmed optical pseudomonas infection linked to the recalled eye drops was recorded in May 2022 in Los Angeles. A second infection was discovered by the same eye doctor a month later, and two more infections were reported in the same county by Fall 2022. Additional infections were identified in up to 13 states by the end of 2022. Genetic testing ultimately found that the infections were all related to the same bacterial strain, which is a version of the pseudomonas bacteria that had never been seen before.
There is currently one known antibiotic, cefiderocol, that has proven effective in treating the strain of pseudomonas aeruginosa infection linked to the eye drop recall.
Eye Drop Recall Injuries
The following injuries have been linked to the Artificial Tears and Artificial Eye Ointment recalls.
- Vision Loss
- Death
- Severe injuries Related to Bacterial Infection
Let Goldenberg Lauricella Help
The Minnesota Infection Attorneys at Goldenberg Lauricella have over 35 years experience obtaining justice for individuals injured by contaminated products. We have the expertise you need to get the compensation you deserve for your eye drop recall injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered vision loss, death, or other injuries after using Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops or Artificial Eye Ointment, contact the lawyers at Goldenberg Lauricella today for a free consultation.