CDC issues update on recalled eyedrops causing death, blindness

The CDC and FDA are recommending that clinicians and patients stop using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears products. The eyedrops have been linked to a multistate outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The CDC has identified 68 patients in 16 states with Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA). There have been reports of 3 patient deaths, 8 patients with vision loss, and 4 patients requiring enucleation.

EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free, over-the-counter product packaged in multidose bottles, was the brand most commonly reported used by affected patients.

In February, the FDA issued a voluntary recall by Global Pharma Healthcare of EzriCare’s and Delsam Pharma’s artificial tears.

More information from the CDC can be found here.