You may have recently read or seen a news report regarding a recall of eyedrops that have been linked to drug-resistant bacterial infections. We wanted to help answer any questions you may have and inform you further on the findings of this report.
The CDC has released a warning concerning the brand Erzicare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops after 55 people in 12 states have presented with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This type of bacteria is resistant to most (but not all) antibiotics. Unfortunately, several people have had serious side effects including severe vision loss and there has been one linked death. None of the cases have been reported in Minnesota and this recall is specific to this brand of artificial tears.
The FDA has issued this recall based on manufacturing problems including lack of microbial testing and proper controls on packaging. The investigation on the exact cause of the contamination is ongoing. This specific drop is a preservative-free artificial tear in a bottle instead of single use vials. Preservatives are in bottled drops to help prevent bacteria from forming. The single use vials are made to be used immediately after opening to prevent this problem from occurring. Studies have shown that multi-use bottles without preservatives are more prone to contamination.
This brand has been reportedly sold online on Amazon and at Walmart. The manufacturer of Erzicare has stopped distributing this drop. If you have this drop at home, throw it out. If you have used this drop, specifically the lot number listed below, watch for symptoms of infection including: green or yellow discharge, pain, light sensitivity, or redness and contact us for further evaluation. The lot numbers impacted are: Ezricare NDC 79503-0101-15, UPC 3 79503 10115 7; Delsam Pharma’s NDC 72570-121-15, UPC -72570-0121-15.
Please note this is not related to Retaine Artificial Tears sold in our clinic and recommended by our doctors.
Thank you,
Dr. Steve and Dr. Sarah