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
Illinois leaders speak out on Washington Post report President Donald Trump preparing to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago

Illinois Officials Respond to Report of Trump Planning to Deploy National Guard in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Illinois officials voiced their concerns on Saturday following a…
1 dead, 4 wounded after shooting in New York City, police say

Shooting in New York City Leaves 1 Dead and 4 Injured, According to Police

A shooting in New York City on Saturday resulted in one fatality…
Oscar winner Gary Oldman adds another honor to his resume with handprints at TCL Chinese Theatre

Oscar-Winning Gary Oldman Leaves His Mark with Handprints at TCL Chinese Theatre

HOLLYWOOD — Actor Gary Oldman expresses his delight and appreciation for being…
Forest fire at night.

Massive Forest Fires Force Village Evacuations in Portugal as Hundreds of Firefighters Combat the Flames

TWO more ferocious forest fires have erupted in Portugal – and this…
Where Liberty stand vs. Dream in tiebreak scenario after loss

Liberty’s Position in Tiebreaker Against Dream After Recent Loss

ATLANTA — The Liberty woke up Saturday morning fifth in the WNBA…
Supertri Chicago Triathlon 2025: 2-day event kicks off at Foster Beach with kids' triathlon, Supersprint races

Supertri Chicago Triathlon 2025: Exciting 2-day Event Begins at Foster Beach with Kids’ Triathlon and Supersprint Races

CHICAGO (WLS) — The city’s youngest competitors dove into Lake Michigan on…
US heat wave smothers Pacific Northwest, poses extreme risk in California and Arizona

Intense Heat Wave Engulfs Pacific Northwest, Creates Severe Danger in California and Arizona

SEATTLE (AP) — The Western U.S. faced a scorching heat wave on…
US seeks to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda after he refused to plea offer in smuggling case

The US Moves to Deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda Following Rejection of Plea Deal in Smuggling Case

Immigration authorities are planning to send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Uganda after…
Florida woman arrested for unlicensed dental work allegedly used superglue on victims' teeth: police

Florida Woman Allegedly Used Superglue for Unlicensed Dental Procedures, Leading to Arrest: Police

A Florida woman was recently arrested after allegedly performing unlicensed dental work…
Columbia University student among 5 killed in New York tour bus crash after Niagara Falls visit

Columbia University Student Among 5 Victims in New York Bus Crash After Niagara Falls Trip

Among the five individuals who lost their lives on Friday in an…
View of Eisenhuttenstadt, Germany, with a church and river.

German City Entices New Residents with Free Apartments, Social Events, and Hiking Adventures Amidst Fierce Competition

A GERMAN city is offering free flats, pub socials and hiking trips…
England flag displays powerful symbol in immigration fight as Trump-style populism sweeps through UK

England’s Flag Becomes a Strong Symbol in Immigration Debate Amid Rising Populism Similar to Trump in the UK

England’s distinctive red-and-white St. George’s Cross and iconic union jack flags are…