Delsam eye drops were recalled by Global Pharma Healthcare after a deadly outbreak of bacterial infections.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with an infection after using Delsam eye drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Recall Expands to Delsam Pharma Eye Ointment
On February 22, 2023, Delsam Pharma agreed to expand the recall to also include Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment due to potential bacterial contamination. The ointment was sold over-the-counter that was advertised as sterile, but may cause infections.
Delsam Eye Drops Recalled After Deadly Infection Outbreak
In February 2023, the Indian drug company Global Pharma Healthcare recalled all lots of Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops that were distributed by Delsam Pharma and EzriCare LLC.
What is the Problem?
The recalled Delsam and EzriCare eye drops may be contaminated with an “extensively drug-resistant” strain of the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Until this outbreak, this dangerous strain of bacteria had never been reported in the U.S.
How Many People Got Sick?
On May 15, 2023, the CDC posted an update to report 4 deaths and 81 infections had been linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Eye Drops. The cases were reported in 18 states (CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, IL, NC, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, PA, SD, TX, UT, WA, WI).
All of the victims were infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a highly drug-resistant bacteria. A total of 14 people reported vision loss, as well as 4 people who had to have surgery to remove their infected eyeball.
Eye Drops Test Positive for Drug-Resistant Bacteria
Testing on 2 opened bottles of EzriCare Artificial Tears with different lot numbers from two different states were positive for the outbreak strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to the CDC.
Most of the patients said they used EzriCare Artificial Tears. That product and Delsam Artificial Tears are both over-the-counter, preservative-free eye drops that do not contain any ingredients that would kill bacteria.
What is the Risk?
The victims suffered complications such as:
- Eye infections
- Permanent vision loss
- Blindness
- Bloodstream infections
- Death
What Eye Drops Were Recalled?
The recall involves Artificial Tears (carboxymethylcellulose sodium) Lubricant Eye Drops, 10 mg in 1 mL, ½ fl oz (15 ml) bottles.
These eye drops are used to protect the eyes against further irritation, relieve dryness, relieve discomfort due to minor eye irritation, or to exposure to wind or sun.
The product is packaged in a multi-use bottle with a safety seal. The carton box is labeled with Ezricare NDC 79503-0101-15, UPC 3 79503 10115 7; Delsam Pharma’s NDC 72570-121-15, UPC -72570-0121-15.
What Should I Do?
Health officials are warning consumers and healthcare providers to immediately stop using EzriCare Artificial Teras and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears due to bacterial contamination.
“Using contaminated artificial tears increases risk of eye infections that could result in blindness or death. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately.”
Signs & Symptoms of an Eye Infection
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Itchy eyes
- Feeling like something is in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Yellow, green, bloody or watery discharge from the eye
- Increasing redness of the eye or eyelid
- Pink color in the “whites” of the eyes
- Crusty eyelashes and eyelids
- Painful and swollen eyelids
- Blurry vision
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes near the ears
- And more
Do I have a Delsam Eye Drops Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Delsam eye drops induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with an infection after using Delsam Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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