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On January 31, 2023, “a total of 55 patients in 12 states were identified with infections caused by a strain of the extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria between May and January”[1] The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (“CDC”) is currently investigating this disastrous pharmaceutical nightmare:
“it is investigating a multistate cluster of Verona Integron‐mediated Metallo‐β‐ lactamase (VIM)‐ and Guiana‐Extended Spectrum‐β‐Lactamase (GES)‐ producing carbapenem‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM GES‐CRPA) linked with multiple infection types, including eye infections. Recent epidemiology and laboratory evidence link these infections to use of EzriCare Artificial Tears.” [2]
Furthermore, according to The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they are “urging the public to immediately discontinue use of EzriCare Artificial Tears, and said the eye drops could be linked to infections across the United States that have resulted in hospitalization, vision loss and one death.”1 The FDA and Global Pharma Healthcare are already preparing potential consumers of this. They are warning consumers of the dangers of using products such as EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam’s Pharma’s Artificial Tears.
According to NPR, “The maker of the product, Global Pharma, issued a recall Wednesday. The product was additionally linked to hospitalization and blindness. Pseudomonas are a type of bacteria commonly found in soil or water, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be responsible for the infection of the lungs, blood and other parts of the body in humans, particularly post-surgery, according to the CDC.”[3]
Additionally, in a study conducted by Yilmaz, Sarmis, and Mutli, et. al., “[researchers] detected contamination in all topical ophthalmic drug groups. Contamination rates were found to be higher in ointments and steroids [4]. In sum, there seems to be growing evidence that topical creams like the one EzriCare brand manufactures are linked to bacterial infections. There will be growing litigation if and when these studies conclude.
Michael Brady Lynch Firm
Here, at the Michael Brady Lynch Firm, we litigate strict product liability cases, such as these. If you are loved when I have been injured by eyedrops, and you have contraction an eye infection, please give us a call at 888-585-5970.
Date: Feb 6, 2023
Author: Brandon Salter
[1] https://ldh.la.gov/news/6919
[2] https://www.ophthalmologytimes.com/view/cdc-sounds-alarm-over-eye-drops-linked-to-dozens-of-infections-1-death
[3] https://ldh.la.gov/news/6919
[4] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-ezricare-artificial-tears-due-potential-contamination
