Infections and vision loss risk in certain eye drops

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NEW YORK, Oct 29, (Agencies): The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning advising consumers not to purchase or use certain eye drops from various brands, including CVS Health Corp and Cardinal Health, due to potential risks of eye infection and, in some cases, vision loss.

This caution pertains to 26 different over-the-counter eye drop products, primarily used for treating dry eye symptoms and providing relief from eye irritation. The affected eye drops are marketed by CVS Health, Rite Aid, Cardinal Health, Target’s up & up brand, and Velocity Pharma, as announced by the FDA. Furthermore, the FDA has urged the manufacturer to recall all batches of the product after discovering unsanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility.

The FDA warns that the use of specific eye care products from the flagged brands may lead to partial vision loss or even blindness. Despite these potential risks, the FDA has not received any reports of adverse events linked to eye infections resulting from these products.

In response to the FDA’s warning, CVS, Rite Aid, and Target are removing the affected products from their store shelves and online platforms. Nevertheless, products branded as Leader, Rugby, and Velocity may still be available for purchase in physical stores and online, although the FDA strongly advises against buying them.

CVS stated that upon notification by the FDA, they immediately ceased in-store and online sales of all products supplied by Velocity Pharma. They have also committed to providing full refunds to customers returning the product. As for Cardinal Health and Velocity Pharma, they have not yet responded to requests for comments.

The FDA recommends that consumers properly dispose of these products. Patients who experience signs or symptoms of an eye infection after using these eye drops should promptly contact their healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention.

This latest warning follows the FDA’s earlier caution to eight companies, including CVS and Walgreens Boots Alliance, against manufacturing or marketing unapproved eye products.

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