4 Popular Eye Care Products Recalled From Major National Retailers

Nothing can distract you quite like an irritated eye, but before you rush to apply ointment, this week national authorities have issued an announcement related to four eye ointment products recalled nationwide due to concerns that they might not be sterile.

The recalled eye care products were reportedly manufactured by Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. in India and are labeled under store brand names such as “CVS” and “Equate” (Walmart). The products were distributed across the country to wholesalers, distributors, and retailers, including Walmart, CVS, and AACE Pharmaceuticals Inc., according to a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) alert sent out on February 26, 2024.

The recalled eye care products include:

• Equate Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 42.5%, White Petrolatum 57.3%, Lanolin Alcohols) – 3.5-gram tube – UPC Code 681131395298
  • Lot # A2E01 – Expiration Date – Apr-24
  • Lot # A2L05 – Expiration Date – Nov-24
  • Lot # A3B01- Expiration Date – Jan-25
  • Lot # A3C01 – Expiration Date – Feb-25
  • Lot # A3H05 – Expiration Date – Jul-25

• Equate Stye Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 31.9%, White Petrolatum 57.7%, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearic Acid, Wheat Germ Oil) – 3.5 gram tube –  UPC Code 681131395304
  • Lot # A2D08 – Expiration Date – Mar-24
  • Lot # A2F02 – Expiration Date – May-24
  • Lot # A2I03 – Expiration Date – Aug-24
  • Lot # A2L03 – Expiration Date – Nov-24
  • Lot # A2L04 – Expiration Date – Nov-24
  • Lot # A3C03 – Expiration Date – Feb-25
  • Lot # A3C05 – Expiration Date – Feb-25
  • Lot # A3H01 – Expiration Date – Jul-25
  • Lot # A3H03 – Expiration Date -Jul-25

• CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 31.9%, White Petrolatum 57.7%, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearic Acid Wheat Germ Oil – 3.5 gram tube – UPC Code 050428634141
  • Lot # A2F03 – Expiration Date – May-24
  • Lot # A2I02 – Expiration Date – Aug-24
  • Lot # A2L02 – Expiration Date – Nov-24
  • Lot # A3C04 – Expiration Date – Feb-25
  • Lot # A3H04 – Expiration Date – Jul-25

• Lubricant PM Ointment (AACE Pharmaceuticals) – 3.5 gram tube –  UPC Code 371406124356
  • Lot # A2G01 – Expiration Date – Jun-24
  • Lot # A2G02 – Expiration Date – Jun-24
  • Lot # A3F08 – Expiration Date – May-25
  • Lot # A3F09 – Expiration Date – May-25
  • Lot # A3J17 – Expiration Date – Sep-25
  • Lot # A3J18 – Expiration Date – Sep-25

The notice stresses that eye products must be sterile since they pose a “heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses.” The alert does not mention what led to the suspicion that the products were potentially not sterile. The company issued the following “Risk Statement” with the announcement: “For those patients who use these products, there is a potential risk of eye infections or related harm.”

All outlets that sell the products are instructed to pull them from the shelves, and consumers are urged to return them to their place of purchase for a refund. As of February 16, 2024, there have been no reports of any adverse reactions from the products. If anyone has a reaction to an eye product involved in the recall, they should contact their health provider immediately.

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