FDA urges consumers to discontinue use of 26 OTC eye drops from several major brands
The FDA has warned consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to potential risk for eye infections.
According to an FDA press release, certain eye drops marketed under CVS Health, Leader, Rugby, Rite Aid, Target Up&Up and Velocity Pharma were flagged after FDA investigators reported unsanitary conditions in the manufacturing facilities and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas. The FDA has recommended the manufacturer recall all lots and that consumers properly discard these products.
CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing these products from their shelves and websites, but the other brands may still be available and should not be purchased, the release stated.
According to a statement from the American Optometric Association regarding the recall, consumers should consult an optometrist before purchasing eye drops to ensure that they have been manufactured and are used properly. Furthermore, it is important to disclose any current medications to avoid health complications when using eyedrops.
Although the FDA has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection related to these products, the agency encourages health care professionals and patients to report any events or quality problems to FDA’s MedWatch adverse event reporting program.
Editor’s note: This article was updated Oct. 31, 2023, to add comments from the AOA.
Reference:
- MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. https://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program. Accessed Oct. 30, 2023.
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