Recent reports from the CDC and FDA reveal that at least 55 people in 12 states have been infected with potent strains of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Ongoing investigations into this outbreak have linked the infections back to EzriCare Artificial Tears – an eyedrop used to treat dry or irritated eyes. These serious infections have resulted in patients being hospitalized, with some suffering from permanent vision loss and at least one patient’s death after the infection entered the bloodstream.
If you or a loved one suffered an infection, vision loss, or death after using EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, Burg Simpson’s experienced team of mass tort attorneys may be able to assist you with a lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries. Contact us today by calling 888-895-2080 or filling out our Free case evaluation form.
CDC Investigation Links Infections, Vison Loss, and Death to EzriCare Artificial Tears
On February 1, 2023, the CDC issued a Health Advisory informing the public that it had linked EzriCare Artificial Tears to a multi-state outbreak of infections involving a rare and extensively drug-resistant strain of bacteria known as Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)-producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA). The CDC’s testing indicates this particular strain has not previously been observed in the United States.
During its investigation from May 2022 to January 2023, the CDC identified 55 patients in 12 states that had been infected with VIM-GES-CRPA. These infected patients initially sought medical treatment for inflamed corneas (keratitis), eye infections, respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and sepsis. Some were hospitalized, suffered permanent vision loss, and one patient died.
The CDC’s investigation found a common link between these patients – the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears. The CDC tested open bottles from multiple lots of EzriCare Artificial Tears and found them to be contaminated with VIM-GES-CRPA.
FDA Recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears
While EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears are marketed and sold by two separate companies in the United States, the artificial tears in both products are manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare Private Limited. On February 2, 2023, the FDA announced that Global Pharma initiated a recall of both EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears due to potential bacterial contamination.
The FDA reports that its own investigation has found Global Pharma to be in violation of federal manufacturing requirements, including lack of appropriate microbial testing, formulation issues, and lack of proper packaging controls. The FDA has now placed Global Pharma on an import alert that prevents Global Pharma products from entering the United States.
What Should Consumers Do?
The FDA has warned consumers to immediately stop using EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears.
If consumers suffer any of the following symptoms, the CDC recommends seeking medical care:
- Discharge from the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye or eyelid
- Feeling of something in the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lawsuit
If you or a loved one suffered an infection, vision loss, or death after using EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears call Burg Simpson today. Burg Simpson’s experienced team of mass tort attorneys may be able to assist you with a lawsuit to get compensation for your injuries. Contact us today by calling 888-895-2080 or filling out our Free case evaluation form.
