The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued additional recalls for more eyedrops due to risks of bacterial contamination that can cause permanent blindness and eye injuries. Last month, in the blog of Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen, we covered the initial eyedrops recall, involving EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears. The latest recall targets Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops.
The same issue appears to be the root of the problem: eyedrops without benzalkonium chloride (BAK) preservative added. Without a preservative, eyedrops are at a higher risk of bacterial contamination. If the contaminated eyedrops are applied directly to the eye even once, the user will be at risk of a severe infection.
At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recorded:
- At least 55 cases of serious infection
- At least 5 cases of permanent vision loss
- At least 1 case of fatal infection
- Illnesses in 12 states
Consumers are still being urged to immediately stop using the affected and recalled eyedrops. If you use eyedrops for a prescription or a chronic eye condition, then you should call your doctor to discuss alternatives.
Contaminated Eyedrops Lawsuits
It is expected that multidistrict litigation (MDL) or class action lawsuits will be used against the manufacturers of Purely Soothing, 15% MSM Drops, as well as EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears. Due to strict product liability laws, injured eyedrops users could have a clear case, even with the manufacturers complying with the FDA recalls. Furthermore, people who bought the eyedrops but were not injured by them could potentially join a plaintiff class if a class action lawsuit is eventually filed.
Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen and our eyedrops injury attorneys are still watching this situation as it develops. We will continue to update our blog with important information as it becomes available. As always, please call (866) 629-1061 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation if you think that you have an eyedrop injury claim or lawsuit to file.
