Share this @internewscast.com

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday expanded its warning not to buy or use eyedrops sold by several major retailers, sometimes under their own brand names.

The warning now includes the product Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL sold by Walmart, the FDA said. “Walmart is removing the product from their store shelves and website,” it said in an updated drug safety warning.

A list of eyedrops published under the FDA’s warning also includes those sold under the brands CVS Health, Leader, Rugby, Rite Aid, Target Up & Up, and Velocity Pharma.

The agency said retailers should pull them from shelves and consumers should discard them. Besides Walmart’s noted cooperation, the FDA said CVS, Target and Rite Aid were pulling the eyedrops from shelves and making them unavailable on their websites.

The FDA said infection and vision loss were possible, although it has not received reports of either. The agency sounded alarms after inspectors found contamination in the production area.

“FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production areas in the facility,” the agency said in its warning.

The agency did not name the manufacturer or location of the facility. It said it recommended last week that the maker recall the products, but it’s not clear if it responded or complied.

Retailer CVS and pharmaceutical Cardinal Health, the concern behind the eyedrops sold under the Leader and Rugby brands, each said separately that Velocity Pharma LLC was the supplier.

Velocity Pharma is based in Farmingdale, New York. It did not respond to multiple inquiries, including a question regarding where its eyedrops are made.

The FDA did not respond to an inquiry about the location of the facility it said was the site of unsanitary conditions.

CVS said in a statement it stopped selling the eyedrops as soon as it received the FDA warning. “Customers who purchased these products can return them to CVS Pharmacy for a full refund,” it said.

Cardinal Health said, “We are in the process of working with Velocity Pharma and FDA to initiate a recall of all impacted Rugby Laboratories and Cardinal Health Leader branded eye drop products.”

Walmart and Target did not immediately respond to request for comment.

Earlier this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 81 people in 18 states tested positive for the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, resistant to most antibiotics.

Officials from the CDC and FDA said most of those cases could be tied to eyedrops made in India and sold under the brands EzriCare Artificial Tears, Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment, all since recalled.

Fourteen of the 81 were blinded; an additional four needed at least one eye removed, officials said. Four people ultimately died, they said.

The bacteria found at the facility behind the latest warning was not identified.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Kim Kardashian snaps at security guard for stepping on 2025 Met Gala dress

Kim Kardashian Criticizes Security Guard for Damaging 2025 Met Gala Dress

Kim Kardashian scolded a security guard after he stepped on her dress…
National Small Business week kicks off in Chicago's Hyde Park with US Small Business Administration, Mayor Brandon Johnson

National Small Business Week Launches in Chicago’s Hyde Park with Mayor Brandon Johnson and US Small Business Administration

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago kicked off National Small Business Week on Monday…
REAL ID deadline: Enforcement to begin Wednesday as long lines reported at Illinois DMVs | See requirements

REAL ID Deadline Approaches: Enforcement Starts Wednesday; Expect Long Waits at Illinois DMV – Check the Requirements Here

CHICAGO (WLS) — The federal deadline to get a REAL ID is…
Judge orders Trump administration to admit roughly 12,000 refugees

Court Mandates Trump Administration to Accept Around 12,000 Refugees

SEATTLE (AP) — On Monday, a judge instructed the Trump administration to…
Mets' A.J. Minter out for season, set to undergo lat surgery

Mets’ A.J. Minter sidelined for the year, scheduled for lat surgery

PHOENIX — A.J. Minter’s season is over after only 13 appearances for…
Dem city uses 'bait-and-switch' tactic to approve homeless shelter, locals erupt

City Misleads Public to Push Through Homeless Shelter Approval, Sparking Outrage Among Residents

Over the weekend, the streets of Brooklyn, New York, saw demonstrators rallying…
'American Idol' top 7 revealed after judges save one contestant from elimination

‘American Idol’ Top 7 Announced as Judges Use Save to Prevent Elimination

LOS ANGELES — “American Idol” is now down to its top seven…
Prince Louis hilariously mimics older brother George during VE Day parade

Prince Louis Amusingly Imitates Older Brother George at VE Day Parade

Royals, they’re just like us! Prince Louis was seen playfully mimicking his…
Israel says Trump’s Middle East visit is the ‘window of opportunity’ for hostage deal

Israel Considers Trump’s Middle East Trip a Chance to Secure a Hostage Agreement

A high-ranking Israeli defense official stated on Monday that President Donald Trump’s…
Megan Thee Stallion, Halley Bailey among stars who broke Anna Wintour's strict no-phones rule at 2025 Met Gala

Celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion and Halley Bailey defy Anna Wintour’s phone ban at the 2025 Met Gala

Several stars showed courage at the 2025 Met Gala when they boldly…
Illegal immigrant released by Biden admin pleads not guilty to murder of Georgia grandmother

Undocumented Immigrant Released by Biden Administration Pleads Not Guilty to Murdering Georgia Grandmother

A 21-year-old Honduran national, accused of the murder of a Georgia grandmother,…
Man sitting at a table with drinks and snacks.

34-Year-Old British Tourist Disappears in Amsterdam After Reporting Misplaced Passport

A British tourist has mysteriously disappeared in Amsterdam after informing his friends…