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
Rescue operation underway after possible overboard incident on Carnival Cruise ship

Rescue Efforts Initiated Following Suspected Overboard Incident on Carnival Cruise Ship

A rescue mission was initiated on Thursday following a potential overboard incident…
Charge against Melodee Buzzard’s mom dismissed, ankle monitor removed as FBI hunts for missing 9-year-old

Charges Dropped for Mother of Missing 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard as FBI Intensifies Search Efforts

A California mother, previously charged with using a box cutter to unlawfully…
Putin calls dancing Russian robot 'very beautiful' in awkward AI conference moment

Putin Praises Russian Robot’s Aesthetic Appeal During AI Conference, Sparking Awkward Moment

In a notable moment captured on video, Russian President Vladimir Putin maintained…
Ladies & Luggage travel agency, Dacia Woods accused of taking thousands from Chicago-area women, abruptly closing before trips

Chicago Travel Agency Allegedly Closes Abruptly, Leaves Women Without Trips or Refunds

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) — The ABC7 I-Team is delving into another case…
Miss Universe: Fatima Bosch of Mexico crowned winner in glittering finale of scandal-hit pageant

Mexican Beauty Fatima Bosch Triumphs in Glittering Miss Universe 2023 Finale Amid Controversy

Fátima Bosch from Mexico has claimed the title of Miss Universe 2025,…
NFL Week 12 Bettors Guide: Can Giants defense put up a fight against angry Lions?

Week 12 NFL Betting Preview: Will the Giants’ Defense Rise to Challenge the Fiery Lions?

THE BEST GAMES TO BET GIANTS at LIONS 1 p.m., Lions favored…
California parents convicted of stabbing, decapitating 2 children and forcing other kids to see bodies

California Parents Found Guilty of Horrific Crimes Against Children, Including Stabbing and Decapitation

A California couple has been found guilty of the horrific murder of…
Family of man who coined 'genocide' fights institute using his name to accuse Israel of war crimes

Legacy Controversy: Family of ‘Genocide’ Pioneer Challenges Institution’s Use of His Name in Israel War Crimes Allegations

A coalition of influential rabbis across the United States is calling on…
‘Beyond the Pale’: Mike Johnson Defends Trump, Torches Dems Who Called for Military to Defy Orders

Mike Johnson Blasts Dems’ Military Defiance Call, Staunchly Defends Trump in Fiery Speech

When President Trump took to social media to accuse a select group…
Fighter jet crashes at Dubai Air Show, pilot dead

Tragic Fighter Jet Crash Claims Pilot’s Life at Dubai Air Show 2023

A tragic incident unfolded at the Dubai Air Show on Friday when…
Rick Pitino: Knicks have a better team this year than last year

Rick Pitino Reveals Why the 2023 Knicks Are Poised for a Breakout Season

Rick Pitino, the head coach of St. John’s, has shared some optimistic…
Florida executes Richard Barry Randolph convicted of raping, killing former convenience store manager

Florida Executes Richard Barry Randolph for 1988 Rape and Murder of Store Manager: Justice Served After Decades

On Thursday, Florida carried out the execution of a man found guilty…