Artificial Tears Lawsuit

On February 2, 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare issued a voluntary nationwide recall of EzriCare® Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma® Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops at the recommendation of the FDA due to suspected bacterial contamination. As of May 2023, the CDC has reported 81 infections in 18 states with 14 patients reporting vision loss, four patients requiring surgery to remove their eyes, and four patients sadly died.

Affected individuals and families may be eligible to pursue compensation. 

Potential health effects

Use of these eyedrops can result in the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness or possibly death. The CDC is currently investigating the outbreak of a particular strain of pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. This specific strain has never been identified in the United States prior to the current outbreak and is resistant to a class of antibiotics called carbapenems which are generally considered a last resort antibiotic. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is aggressive and commonly found in water, soil and human waste. Elizabeth Connick, professor of medicine and Immunobiology at the University of Arizona, told The Washington Post the bacterium “secretes proteins that can destroy the clear tissue at the front of the eye – the cornea – and allows it to invade the eye. It can impair vision or even blind someone.”

Our medical drug litigation experience

Motley Rice medical attorneys have extensive experience litigating for patients who have suffered severe harm and complications caused by dangerous prescription and over-the-counter drugs. 

We understand that as a patient or family member, what you know about your or a loved one’s medications may be limited. If you believe a medicine made you sick or hurt you, our attorneys have the resources needed to thoroughly investigate and:

• Identify potentially harmful medicines
• Review if the medicine hurt you
• Review the medicine manufacturer’s compliance with FDA regulations
• Examine the adequacy of the manufacturer's warning to you about potential side effects
• Recognize other issues that could affect your potential claim

In addition to reviewing claims related to dangerous artificial tears, our attorneys represent clients in numerous medical drug cases. Learn more about our work here.

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Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death.