Several brands of lubricant eye ointments are undergoing a recall due to infection risks following the discovery of contaminated conditions at the manufacturing plant in India.
The recall, initiated by Brassica Pharma Pvt. located in Thane, Maharashtra, India, follows a previous outbreak of eye infections associated with artificial tears produced by another Indian company last year.
The affected products, including Equate, CVS Health, and AACE Pharmaceuticals brands, were sold nationwide through retailers such as CVS Health and Walmart.
The US Food and Drug Administration issued a notice regarding this recall on Monday.
Recalled Eye Ointments: UPC Codes
All the recalled products have expiration dates ranging from April 2024 to September 2025. These include:
- Equate Lubricant Eye Ointment, available in a 3.5-gram tube, packaged in a box with the UPC code: 681131395298.
- Equate Style Lubricant Eye Ointment, also in a 3.5-gram tube, packaged in a box with the UPC code: 681131395304.
- CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment, offered in a 3.5-gram tube, packaged in a box with the UPC code: 050428634141.
- Lubricant PM Ointment, sold in a 3.5 gram tube, contained within a box with the UPC code: 371406124356.
Individuals are advised to discontinue the use of the recalled eye ointments and are encouraged to return them to the original place of purchase.
For inquiries or concerns, individuals can contact 1-833-225-9564 or email [email protected].
Previously, EzriCare artificial tears were part of the brands recalled by Delsam Pharma of Chennai, India, last year.
Health authorities identified 81 individuals across 18 states experiencing infections, with four fatalities and numerous cases of vision impairment reported.
In January, the FDA issued a warning regarding counterfeit eye drops due to the infection risk associated with their use.