EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears Eye Drops Recall

Global Pharma Healthcare recalled EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears brand eye drops on Feb. 2, 2023. Walmart and Walgreens sold recalled EzriCare and Delsam Pharma eye drops over the counter. Customers could also buy these popular eye drops through Amazon.

In addition to Delsam Pharma Artificial tears, Global Pharma Healthcare also recalled its Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment (mineral oil 15%, white petrolatum 83%, 3.5 grams / 1/8 oz.). The company issued the recall at the request of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Feb. 24, 2023.

Consumers can identify the product by looking for the following codes: NDC 72570-122-35 and UPC 3 72570 12235 3.

Global Pharma Healthcare recalled EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops because of potential microbial contamination that can cause serious infections. The FDA recommended that Global Pharma also recall its Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment for potential microbial contamination. The manufacturers noted that eye ointment packages could be compromised and were leaking.

The CDC and FDA have been investigating cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa since May 2022. The agencies have since linked a multistate outbreak of a rare bacterium called Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) to EzriCare eye drops.

As of March 21, 2023, 68 patients in 16 states have been infected, according to a CDC EzriCare eye drop recall update.

Injuries associated with recalled lots of EzriCare Artificial Tears include becoming infected with VIM-GES-CRPA as well as more common side effects not associated with a bacterial infection.

VIM-GES-CRPA is a rare strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Prior to the outbreak involving EzriCare eye drops the strain had never been reported in the U.S. The bacterium can lead to eye infections that cause vision loss, infections throughout the body or even death.

As of May 15, 2023, there have been 14 reports of vision loss and four deaths among those infected.

VIM-GES-CRPA is difficult to treat because of its resistance to carbapenem antibiotics, drugs that are typically used to treat drug-resistant bacteria. Patients may need months of antibiotic care to resolve the infection.

Other EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears side effects not related to infections include eye pain, blurry vision and allergic reactions.

According to the CDC and FDA, there is no need to be tested if you don’t have any infection symptoms. If your medical provider recommended that you use EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment, you should contact them for dry eye treatment alternatives.

The CDC and FDA continue to investigate infections linked to recalled EzriCare Artificial Tears. The CDC found VIM-GES-CRPA in opened bottles of EzriCare Artificial Tears, but as of March 21, 2023, the agency hadn’t announced the results of testing on unopened bottles.

Global Pharma Healthcare has been placed on an FDA import alert. Under the alert, no products from this manufacturer are allowed into the U.S. According to the agency, Global Pharma failed to test products and didn’t have tamper-proof packaging, among other manufacturing violations.

Here are a few steps consumers can take if they bought or used recalled eye drops. Fortunately, using recalled eye drops doesn’t automatically cause an infection or vision loss.

People who used recalled eye drops and suffered an infection, vision loss or other infection complications may be able to file an EzriCare or Delsam lawsuit for compensation. Other consumers have already filed individual injury lawsuits and class actions against Global Pharma, EzriCare, Aru Pharma, Walmart and others.