The eye drops were recalled due to "lack of assurance of sterility," per the FDA
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NEED TO KNOW
- More than 3 million eye drops are being recalled due to sterility concerns
- The affected eye drops, manufactured by K.C. Pharmaceuticals, were distributed across the United States and are sold in a number of major retailers
- Consumers should check product type, retailer and lot code of their eye drops against the FDA’s March 31 announcement
More than 3 million eye drops are being recalled across the United States.
On March 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced K.C. Pharmaceuticals, based in Pomona, Calif., is voluntarily recalling millions of bottles of eye drops, citing a concern of "lack of assurance of sterility," the announcement stated. The recall includes eight types of over-the-counter eye drops sold by major U.S. retailers.
"Lack of assurance of sterility" means the company cannot confirm its products were manufactured in a way that prevents contamination from bacteria or other microbes. As of the March 31 announcement, the FDA did not report any specific instances of contamination.
The affected types of eye drops include Sterile Eye Drops, Eye Drops Advanced Relief, Dry Eye Relief Drops, Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops, Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula, Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant, Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears, and Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops.
Credit: Getty Images
According to the FDA, the retailers that sold the affected eye drops include Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Kroger, H-E-B, Publix, Meijer, Harris Teeter, Dollar General, Circle K and Cintas, in addition to wholesale brands Leader and Equaline.
To determine whether eye drops are subject to this recall, consumers should check the product's lot code listed on the FDA's announcement. Many affected products have expiration dates ranging from May to October of this year.
Health officials urge anyone who used the eye drops and experienced eye pain, redness, or vision changes to contact their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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Though the FDA announcement did not outline any directions for consumers who bought and/or used the recalled eye drops, in past recalls, the administration has recommended disposing of the product or returning it to where it was purchased.
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