Walgreens Eye Drops Recalled for Sterility Concerns
Over 500,000 Walgreens-branded eye drop products are part of a larger recall affecting nearly 750,000 units due to a lack of sterility assurance.
More than 500,000 Walgreens-branded eye drops have been recalled due to sterility concerns, contributing to a broader recall of nearly 750,000 eye-care products. The recall was initiated by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC on August 20.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified the recall as Class II on September 21. This classification indicates that the affected products may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, with a remote probability of serious harm.
Walgreens-branded products constitute over 500,000 of the recalled units. This includes approximately 301,114 bottles of Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops and 199,600 twin packs. The extensive recall also encompasses eye-care products from other brands, including AvKare, Reliable-1 Laboratories, Cameron Pharmaceuticals, TRP The Relief Products, and Major brands.
Products affected by the recall include AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% Lubricant Eye Drops, with over 120,000 packages recalled. Reliable-1 Laboratories' recalled products include Sodium Chloride Hypertonicity Ophthalmic Solution 5% and Lubricating Tears. Additionally, Cameron Pharmaceuticals Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5% Lubricant Eye Drops, TRP The Relief Products Gentle Eyes Lubricant Eye Drops, and Major LubriFresh P.M. Nighttime Ointment are part of the recall.
Ophthalmic products, such as eye drops, carry a heightened risk because they are applied directly to the eyes, bypassing some of the body's natural defenses. The FDA emphasizes that eye drops must be sterile to mitigate the risk of infection. A representative for Walgreens did not immediately respond to requests for comment.