CVS and Walmart are recalling eye ointment products nationwide. The recall is due to infection risks, say health officials.
Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. initiated the recall. The FDA found a "lack of sterility assurance" at their facility.
Affected products are under Equate, CVS Health, and AACE Pharmaceuticals brands. They expire between February 2024 and September 2025.
Patients using these could face eye infection risks. Eye drugs are sensitive because they bypass some body defenses.
No adverse events have been reported as of Feb. 16. CVS has already halted sales of CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment.
CVS offers refunds for the recalled product. They emphasize their commitment to safety and cooperation with the FDA.
Distributors and retailers are instructed to stop distributing the products. Consumers should cease using them and return them.
Recent months saw multiple eye product recalls. These were due to unsanitary manufacturing conditions.
In November 2023, Kilitch Healthcare India recalled 27 eyedrops. These were listed by the FDA as potentially contaminated.
This was the third recall in recent weeks. It followed warnings against products from several brands including CVS Health and Equate.
These recalls have not been linked to the pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak. That was associated with Global Pharma Healthcare's eye products.