Another person has died from an outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant bacteria that’s been tied to Global Pharma Healthcare’s recalled eyedrops, according to federal health officials.
Global Pharma Healthcare is voluntarily recalling all lots of their Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, distributed by /EzriCare, LLC- and Delsam Pharma, to the consumer level, due to possible contamination. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted FDA to an investigation of a multi-state cluster of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)- and Guiana-Extended Spectrum-β-Lactamase (GES)- producing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (VIM-GES-CRPA) infections possibly associated with the use of the artificial tears manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare.
To date, there are 55 reports of adverse events including eye infections, permanent loss of vision, and a death with a bloodstream infection.
Use of contaminated artificial tears can result in the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness.
Artificial Tears (carboxymethylcellulose sodium) Lubricant Eye Drops, 10 mg in 1 mL, ½ fl oz (15 ml) bottle are used as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye for the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye, or to exposure to wind or sun. The product is packaged in a bottle with a safety seal and are placed in a carton box Ezricare NDC 79503-0101-15, UPC 3 79503 10115 7; Delsam Pharma’s NDC 72570-121-15, UPC 3 72570 12115 8. It can be identified by the photos below. The product was distributed Nationwide in the USA over the Internet.
Global Pharma Healthcare is notifying the distributors of this product, Aru Pharma Inc. and Delsam Pharma and is requesting that wholesalers, retailers and customers who have the recalled product should stop use.
Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact the distributors: Aru Pharma/Ezricare, LLC by phone: 1-516-715-5181 or by e-mail: arupharmainc@yahoo.com from Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm EST; or DELSAM Pharma LLC by phone: 1-866-826-1306 or by e-mail: delsampharma@yahoo.com from Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm EST. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to using these over-the-counter drug products.