FDA Issues Alert On Eye Drops That “Killed” 3, “Blinded” 8
Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued an alert on Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified and reported 68 people in 16 states with infections of a rare strain of drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa suspected to be linked to the eye drops.
Three deaths have so far been reported while eight have lost their sight.
According to CDC, the victims reported using the flagged eye drops.
Global Pharma Healthcare has since recalled the brands due to “possible contamination”.
Although the products are not registered in Ghana, the FDA says persons who have them in the country must stop use and submit them to any of its offices across the country.
It advised that “anyone who has used these products and is experiencing any symptoms should contact a healthcare professional immediately. Reported symptoms include yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, eye pain or discomfort, redness, feeling of something in the eye, increase sensitivity to light and blurred visions”.
About the Product
Global Pharma Healthcare says the Artificial Tears (carboxymethylcellulose sodium) Lubricant Eye Drops, 10 mg in 1 mL, ½ fl oz (15 ml) bottle are used as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye for the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye, or to exposure to wind or sun.
The product is packaged in a bottle with a safety seal and are placed in a carton box Ezricare NDC 79503-0101-15, UPC 3 79503 10115 7; Delsam Pharma’s NDC 72570-121-15, UPC 3 72570 12115 8. The product was distributed Nationwide in the USA over the Internet.
Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini
