EzriCare Artificial Tears Eye Drops Linked to Infection Outbreak
The CDC has issued a health alert to doctors across the country over an unprecedented outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), a bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics and can cause serious infections in humans.
Testing conducted by the CDC identified the presence of CRPA in opened bottles of EzriCare eye drops. At this time, the CDC recommends that clinicians and patients immediately stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears until the epidemiological investigation and laboratory analyses are complete.
So far, there have been 81 reports of adverse events across 18 states — including eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and surgical removal of the eyes — and 4 deaths, according to the CDC.
The specific strain of bacteria behind this outbreak — Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) — is so rare the CDC has not seen it in the U.S. before.
Lawsuits have begun being filed as of February 10, 2023, related to EzriCare use.
FDA Recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears
Using artificial tears or eye drops contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is believed to be the main cause behind CRPA infections at this time.
Of the patients able to recall the eye drops they used, 85% reported using the EzriCare Artificial Tears brand, a preservative-free product in multi-dose bottles.
On February 2, Global Pharma Healthcare announced a voluntary recall of the artificial tears and eye drops distributed by EzriCare and Delsam Pharma due to possible contamination.
This recall was performed at the recommendation of the FDA due to a suspected microbial contamination of the product. Because EzriCare is preservative-free and can be used multiple times, the risk of bacterial overgrowth after opening may be higher.
Sold in a bottle with a safety seal and carton box, the affected artificial tears have the following product codes:
- EzriCare NDC 79503-0101-15, UPC 3 79503 10115 7
- Delsam Pharma's NDC 72570-121-15, UPC-72570-0121-15
On February 22, 2023, the FDA expanded its recall to include Delsam Pharma's Artificial Eye Ointment as well due to potential bacterial contamination.
Additional Eye Drops Found to Be Contaminated
In August 2023, the FDA issued a warning about Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops, as both products tested positive for bacterial contamination. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) — the active ingredient in these eye drops — is not FDA-approved for use as an eye drug.
Just a few months later, investigators from the FDA identified yet another eye drop manufacturing facility that contained harmful bacteria and unsanitary conditions.
Eye drops that were potentially contaminated include:
- Dry Eye Relief 10 ml
- Dry Eye Relief 15 ml
- Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 ml
- Eye Irritation Relief 15 ml
- Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 ml
- Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml
- Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml
- Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml
- Lubricating Gel Drops 10 ml
- Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml
- Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
- Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 ml
- Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml
- Up & Up™ Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 ml
- Up & Up™ Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml
- Up & Up™ Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml
These products are marketed under the brands CVS Health, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), Rite Aid, Target Up & Up™, Velocity Pharma, and Walmart. CVS, Rite Aid, and Target have already committed to removing these eye drops from both in-store and online.
The FDA recommends anyone who has already purchased any of these products discontinue use and dispose of it immediately.
Who Can File an EzriCare Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file an EzriCare eye drops lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Used Delsam Pharma or EzriCare Artificial Tears
- Suffered vision loss, eye infections, or other injuries as a result
However, you only have a limited amount of time to take action. State laws, known as statutes of limitations, restrict how long you have to file a legal claim.
How to File an EzriCare Eye Drops Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we know what a difficult time this must be for you and your family. We strive to make filing an EzriCare lawsuit as stress-free as possible by handling every step of the legal process for you — at no out-of-pocket or upfront cost.
When you work with an experienced team of EzriCare lawyers, you just may be surprised by how little you actually have to do.
If you have an EzriCare case, your legal team can:
- Verify your eligibility to take legal action during a free case evaluation
- Gather evidence like your medical records and testimony to build a strong case
- File your EzriCare lawsuit within any state deadlines known as statutes of limitations
- Negotiate EzriCare lawsuit settlements with the defendant(s)
- Present your case in a court trial where an outcome will be delivered in a verdict
What Is Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (CRPA)?
Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a type of bacterial infection resistant to a group of antibiotics called carbapenems, typically used as a last resort to treat severe bacterial infections.
Pseudomonas is a common type of bacteria in the environment, including soil and water. Of the many types of Pseudomonas, the one that most often causes infections in humans is called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This type of bacteria can cause infections in the blood, lungs (pneumonia), or other body parts after surgery.
When CRPA is present in the eyes, it can cause eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), and endophthalmitis (inflammation within the eye).
Symptoms of CRPA Eye Infections
Symptoms of CRPA eye infections may include:
- Redness and inflammation of the eye
- Pain or discomfort in the eye
- Blurred vision
- Discharge from the eye
- Sensitivity to light
CRPA Eye Infection Treatment Options
Treatment options for CRPA eye infections may include:
- Intravenous antibiotics
- Combination therapy with different antibiotics
- Surgery
- Drainage or removal of infected tissue
It's important to note that because CRPA is resistant to carbapenems, the choice of antibiotics will be limited, and the treatment may be more complicated.
If you are experiencing symptoms of eye infection after using EzriCare Artificial Tears, seek medical attention immediately.
Find an EzriCare Lawyer Near You
At Sokolove Law, we have extensive experience holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for dangerous products.
Our team of experienced EzriCare attorneys can fight to get you the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Why choose Sokolove Law for your EzriCare recall lawsuit?
- Decades of Experience: For over 45 years, Sokolove Law has helped clients get justice and compensation for their injuries.
- Billions of Dollars in Results: We’ve secured over $9.6 Billion for clients across the country.
- Offices & Attorneys Nationwide: As a national law firm, Sokolove Law can help with your case wherever you may be in the United States.
- We Only Get Paid If You Do: There are no out-of-pocket or upfront costs to work with our EzriCare lawyers.
Don't wait. Take action now to protect your rights and your health.
Note: All brands are trademarks of their respective companies.
EzriCare Eye Drops Lawsuit FAQs
What's going on with EzriCare eye drops?
EzriCare Artificial Tears has been linked to at least 68 infections across 16 states that have led to permanent vision loss, surgical removal of the eyes, hospitalization, and death.
As a result, the CDC has recommended that all consumers and health care providers discontinue use of EzriCare eye drops at this time.
Why were Delsam and EzriCare eye drops recalled?
On February 2, EzriCare and Delsam Pharma artificial tears or eye drops were voluntarily recalled due to a potential bacterial contamination. On February 24, the recall was expanded to include Delsam Pharma's Artificial Eye Ointment as well.
Because these products don't contain preservatives and can be used multiple times, the risk of bacterial contamination may be greater.
Continuing to use contaminated eye drops can be consumers at serious risk of eye infections that could lead to blindness or even death.
Which brands of eye drops are recalled?
The FDA has recently advised consumers to stop using four brands of eye drop products:
- EzriCare Artificial Tears
- Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears
- Dr. Berne’s MSM Drops
- LightEyez MSM Eye Drops – Eye Repair
Tests found that these products were not sterile, as some bottles had been contaminated with bacteria that could lead to serious infections.
In October 2023, the FDA issued additional warnings about potentially contaminated eye drops from several other brands, including:
- CVS
- Leader (Cardinal Health)
- Rugby (Cardinal Health)
- Rite Aid
- Target
- Velocity Pharma
- Walmart
How much does it cost to file an EzriCare lawsuit?
At Sokolove Law, it won't cost you anything upfront or out of pocket to file an EzriCare eye drops lawsuit.
Our team only gets paid if your case successfully results in compensation, so there's no financial risk to taking legal action.
Who is the manufacturer of EzriCare Artificial Tears?
Global Pharma Healthcare manufactures EzriCare eye drops. The company voluntarily recalled their product due to a potential bacterial contamination in February 2023.
If you suffered vision-related issues after using these artificial tears, you may be eligible for compensation from an EzriCare recall lawsuit.
Can I file an EzriCare or Delsam Pharma lawsuit?
Potentially, yes. You may be eligible to file an EzriCare or Delsam Pharma lawsuit if you or a loved one used the brand's artificial tears, eye drops, or artificial eye ointment.
