EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears Lawsuits | Eye drops linked to vision loss and death
A warning was issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) after EzriCare Artificial Tears, an over-the-counter eye drop, allegedly caused the death of one person and vision loss in five other people. Global Pharma, the manufacturer, issued a recall that also included Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advised everyone to stop using both products, since it was linked to the bacteria pseudomonas aeruginosa.
If you or a loved one has experienced eye infections, eye injuries or vision loss after using EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, you should Contact Peiffer Wolf immediately for a FREE Consultation by filling out an Online Contact Form or by calling 504-523-2434.
EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears Lawsuit | What happened?
“The manufacturer of a brand of over-the-counter eye drops said that it was recalling the product, EzriCare Artificial Tears, after it was linked to a drug-resistant bacteria strain that has caused at least one person’s death and vision loss in five others.” (The New York Times)
On February 2, 2023, the FDA issued a warning for consumers to stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears due to a potential contamination. The warning included Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears: “FDA is warning consumers and health care practitioners not to purchase and to immediately stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears due to potential bacterial contamination. Using contaminated artificial tears increases risk of eye infections that could result in blindness or death. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately.” Global Pharma, the manufacturer of both products, initiated a voluntary recall.
The FDA, with the collaboration of the CDC and health departments across the country initiated an investigation into “a multistate outbreak involving a rare, extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. As of January 31, 2023, CDC identified 55 patients in 12 states with infections that have been linked by epidemiologic and laboratory evidence to use of EzriCare Artificial Tears.”
On February 21, 2023, the warning issued by the FDA was updated to include Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment. The following day, Global Pharma agreed to issue a recall for the product.
According to the CDC, this bacteria strain was found in people between May 2022 and January 2023 in the following states:
California,
Colorado,
Connecticut,
Florida,
Illinois
New Jersey,
New Mexico,
New York,
Nevada,
Texas,
Utah,
Washington,
Wisconsin.
EzriCare and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears Lawsuit | Do I have a case?
While the CDC only lists 13 states where the strain of the bacteria was found, any consumer who has used the products and experienced health problems may have a case. Because these eye drops are preservative-free, once contaminated, the growth of bacteria can’t be prevented.
What were the products listed in the FDA warning?
- Ezricare (blue box): NDC 79503-0101-15 with UPC 3 79503 10115 7, and
- Delsam Pharma (white box): NDC 72570-121-15 with UPC -72570-0121-15
What are the symptoms?
Eye infection symptoms can include:
- Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye or eyelid
- Feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
If you or a loved one has experienced any symptoms after using EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, you should contact Peiffer Wolf immediately by filling out an online contact form or by calling 504-523-2434.
Free Consultation | 504-523-2434
If you or a loved one has experienced eye infections, eye injuries or vision loss after using EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears, you should Contact Peiffer Wolf immediately for a FREE Consultation by filling out an Online Contact Form or by calling 504-523-2434.
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