EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Side Effects

As of February 2023, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Federal Drug Administration do not consider EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Artificial Tears safe. The agencies have warned people to stop using them right away.

Global Pharma Healthcare has issued an EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears recall because of the risk of microbial contamination that can cause infections and vision loss. The company also recalled Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment because of the risk of infection.

Prior to the recall, most patients generally tolerated EzriCare Artificial Tears well. However,the CDC has linked EzriCare Artificial Tears to an outbreak of drug-resistant bacteria. So far, the FDA and CDC have not linked other brands of artificial tears to microbial contamination.

The CDC recommends that health care providers and facilities stop using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears and tell their patients to stop using them. Providers should monitor patients for signs and symptoms of eye infection and perform bacterial cultures if necessary.

Most short-term side effects of EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Artificial Tears are mild and temporary, including blurry vision or a stinging sensation in the eye. These side effects typically go away and don’t require medical treatment. If side effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor for recommendations.

Some rare but serious short-term side effects include allergic reactions — such as hives, itching or swelling in the face, tongue or lips — changes in vision or eye pain. Seek medical attention right away if you experience these side effects.

This isn’t a complete list of potential side effects. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions or concerns about potential side effects.

Long-term side effects of EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Artificial Tears, including vision loss, drug-resistant infections and even death, are linked to people using contaminated artificial tears. These side effects are serious but rare.

The CDC linked EzriCare Artificial Tears to a multistate outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. As of May 15, 2023, the CDC has identified 81 patients in 18 states that have been infected with this bacterium. Of these patients, 14 have reported vision loss and four have died.

What Is Pseudomonas Aeruginosa?

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that commonly occurs in the environment, typically in soil or water. It can cause blood, lung or other infections after surgery. People with catheters, those who are hospitalized on breathing machines or who have wounds from surgery or burns are most at risk.

It spreads from one person to another though contaminated surfaces, hands or equipment. EzriCare Artificial Tears don’t have preservatives and are packaged in multiuse bottles. This may encourage bacterial growth. According to the FDA, Global Healthcare Pharma didn’t test EzriCare Artificial Tears for microbial contamination during manufacturing.

What to Do if You Experience Serious Side Effects

The FDA recommends that you report any problems with the eye drops to its MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. You may also contact the agency’s Consumer Complaint Coordinators.

If you suffered an infection or vision loss after using EzriCare or Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears, you may qualify to file an EzriCare or Delsam lawsuit for compensation. Other patients have already filed individual injury lawsuits or EzriCare class action lawsuits against eye drop makers and distributors.

Health professionals warn people to stop using EzriCare and Delsam Pharma eye drops immediately. Consumers should contact their medical providers for eye drop alternatives from brands that haven’t been recalled.

A CDC and FDA investigation of a multistate outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa began in May 2022 and is ongoing. The agency found that bacteria in opened bottles of EzriCare Artificial Tears matches the bacteria in infected patients. Patients with infections reported using more than 10 different brands of artificial tears, but EzriCare was the most commonly used brand.

“If you are using any of these specific products, stop,” Gary D. Novack, a professor at UC Davis Health, told UC Davis Health News. “Using contaminated artificial tears increases the risk of eye infections that could result in blindness or serious illness.”

The agencies have tested unopened bottles of EzriCare Artificial Tears to see if they were contaminated during the manufacturing process. The CDC’s last update on March 14, 2023 didn’t include results from this testing.