Eye Ointments Sold At Walmart, CVS, And More Could Cause Eye Infections, FDA Says
Brassica Pharma has recently issued a recall effecting several eye ointments due to potential risks of eye infections, the FDA recently reported on February 26.
The recalled items, which were sold at CVS, Walmart, and AACE Pharmaceuticals may not be sterile, putting users at risk of infection. Find all of the details—including what to do if you are in possession of one of the recalled ointments—below.
Eye ointments recalled from CVS and Walmart
According to the FDA, a recent inspection at the Brassica facility found a “lack of sterility assurance.” Unsterile eye ointments put users at risk of eye infection. Subsequently, the following ointments have been recalled:
Equate Lubricant Eye Ointment: UPC Code 681131395298
Equate Stye Lubricant Eye Ointment: UPC Code 681131395304
CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment: UPC Code 050428634141
AACE Pharmaceuticals Lubricant PM Ointment: UPC Code 371406124356
Each recalled product has an expiration date ranging from February 2024 to September 2025. You can find the full list of recalled products, including their expiration dates and lot numbers here.
Brassica Pharma says that distributors and retailers have been notified and told to pull the ointments from shelves.
Luckily, no injuries have been linked to this recall. However, if you have one of the recalled products, you should stop using them immediately. You can either discard them or return them for a full refund.
Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Issues Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Equate Lubricant Eye Ointment, Equate Stye Lubricant Eye Ointment, CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment, Lubricant PM Ointment Due to Potential Lack of Sterility https://t.co/H08wZLxxBv pic.twitter.com/DDrljOAa1v
— U.S. FDA Recalls (@FDArecalls) February 27, 2024
If you do experience any adverse effects from any of these products, you should tell your healthcare provider. Common eye infection symptoms include pain, redness, discharge, itching, burning, and more.
This recall follows a similar case from last fall, when 26 over-the-counter drops were pulled from shelves due to potential vision loss.
Staying on top of recalls like this is an important part of keeping you and your family healthy. Other recent recalls include salad kits linked to listeria and ice cream with undeclared allergens. Stay safe!
