EzriCare & Delsam Artificial Tears Recall Due to Outbreak
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has issued back-to-back health advisories regarding EzriCare and Delasm Artificial Tears following an outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant bacteria known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Global Pharma Healthcare has issued a voluntary recall. While the bacteria itself is not uncommon, this particular strain has the potential to cause serious infection, injury, and death.
It has never been reported in the United States prior to now. As a result, there has been an Artificial Tear recall of EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears products. 55 infected patients across 12 states have been identified, including 3 people blinded and one dead.
Moreover, it can be transferred from one infected person to another–so you could get it without even using the product. An Artificial Tears Class Action lawsuit has already been filed and individual Artificial Tears Lawsuits are expected to follow independently from the class action.
The Deadly Strain of Bacteria in Artificial Tears
The particular strain involved here is known as Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA). In short, it is a highly drug-resistant bacteria with the potential to cause blindness, sepsis, and/or respiratory infections. The level of infection could lead to death, particularly in people of less-than-optimum health. According to the CDC, this represents ” an emerging U.S. public health threat because of high levels of antibiotic resistance and the potential for rapid spread in healthcare facilities” by the bacteria. The CDC has warned consumers not to purchase or use Delsam Artificial Tears and EzriCare Artificial Tears.
What is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria commonly found in water or soil. It can also spread in healthcare settings from one person to another through coming into contact with contaminated hands, equipment, or surfaces. It can develop into different strains, some more resistant and/or more harmful than others. See CDC discussion. The particular strain involved in this contamination investigation and the Artificial Tear Recall.
What Are the Symptoms of an Eye Infection?
The typical symptoms of an eye infection include:
- Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye or eyelid
- The feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision.
The above infections can lead to more serious problems including blindness, severe inflammation of the cornea (Keratitis), infection of the inside of the eyeball itself, urinary tract infections, sepsis, respiratory infections, and death. If you experience any symptoms of infection following the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Artificial Tears, consult your physician. Seal the product in a ziplock bag for the safe keeping of the evidence and do not use it again. Any adverse events should be reported to the FDA’s adverse event reporting program.
What Can I Do To Reduce the Risk of Getting Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?
In order to reduce the risk of getting or spreading Pseudomonas aeruginosa, avoid using contaminated artificial tears products and avoid physical contact with persons or surfaces that may be contaminated. If you are in or around a healthcare setting, please be sure to wash your hands frequently with warm water and soap.