Since May 2022, at least 81 people developed a rare bacterial eye infection after using EzriCare- and Delsam Pharma-brand eyedrops manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare. Some patients went blind, underwent surgical eye removal, or died.
If you or a family member used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears or Ointment and suffered an infection, vision loss, or other harm, you may qualify to bring an EzriCare lawsuit against the manufacturer and recover compensation for your medical bills and other losses.
Why are People Filing EzriCare Lawsuits?
EzriCare Artificial Tears are non-prescription eye drops available for purchase in retail outlets like Walmart. These drops are designed to treat dry and irritated eyes.
On January 20, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning to consumers and healthcare providers to discontinue using EzriCare Artificial Tears after identifying a multistate cluster of a drug-resistant bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa linked to eye infections. At least 50 patients across 11 states had become infected with this rare strain of bacteria. Researchers later traced the infections to contaminated bottles of ErziCare eye drops.
In February 2022, Global Pharma Healthcare recalled all lots of EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, and Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment due to the risk of bacterial contamination. In those few weeks, the number of those affected had climbed to 55. Complications included permanent vision loss and one death in a patient who had developed a bloodstream infection. Later that month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected Global Pharma Healthcare’s labs and found violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP).
On February 9, a Florida woman filed the first EzriCare eye drop lawsuit against Global Pharma Healthcare, alleging that the company’s eye drops caused her to develop an eye infection requiring surgery and resulting in long-term complications.
What Brands Are Affected by the Eye Drops Recall?
On February 2, 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare issued a recall of the following eye drops due to the potential for bacterial contamination and the risk of infection that could lead to blindness or death:
- EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops: NDC 79503-0101-15 and UPC 3 79503 10115 7
- Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops: NDC 72570-121-15 and UPC 3 72570 12115 8
On February 24, upon the FDA’s recommendation, the manufacturer also recalled the following product due to the potential risk of contamination:
- Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment: NDC 72570-122-35 and UPC code 3 72570 12235 3
All affected products were manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare and distributed by either Delsam Pharma or EzriCare, LLC.
Who is at Risk for Infection from the Recalled Eye Drops?
Many people, especially contact users and those with glaucoma, use over-the-counter “artificial tears” on a daily basis to lubricate the eye and treat or prevent dry, irritated eyes.
Bacterial eye infections are not uncommon and are commonly treated with antibiotics. However, eye infections caused by the P.aeruginosa strain of bacteria were unheard of before the EzriCare eye drop recall. P.aeruginosa is resistant to most antibiotics, and some people can develop serious complications.
Researchers believe It’s unlikely that a healthy person would become seriously ill from using eye drops contaminated with P.aeruginosa. But, those who are immunocompromised, wear contact lenses, and have existing cornea damage or specific health conditions are considered at greater risk of infection and complications.
The CDC urges anyone who has used the recalled eye drops and developed symptoms of eye infection to seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of eye infection may include:
- Yellow, green, or clear eye discharge
- Pain in the eye
- Redness or dryness in the eye or eyelid
- Feeling that something is in your eye
- Light sensitivity
- Blurry vision
- Pain in the eye
What Are the Health Risks Associated with the Recalled Eye Drops?
People exposed to contaminated eye drops may suffer severe bacterial infections in the blood, lungs, and eyes. Some health consequences associated with bacterial infections include:
- Organ failure
- Permanent vision loss
- Enucleations (surgical removal of the eyeball)
- Brain damage
- Sepsis
- Tissue damage
- Death
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer to See if You Qualify to Bring an EzriCare Lawsuit
If you or a loved one was harmed after using one of the recalled ErziCare or Delsam eye drops and ointments, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses. Contact the Lawsuit Legal News team at 866-467-0943 or complete our online contact form to schedule a case consultation and see if you qualify to file a claim.