Ezricare’s artificial tears linked to possible infections and death, CDC says

Infections were found in 50 patients in 11 states, the CDC said, adding that most of them had used artificial tears and the most commonly used brand was Ezricare.

Outcomes in some patients included “permanent vision loss resulting from an eye infection, hospitalization, and [the] death of a patient with bacteremia,” the CDC said, noting that bacterial infections are often resistant to antibiotics.

The CDC said it “recommends that clinicians and patients immediately discontinue use of EzriCare artificial tears” until its probe and lab tests are complete. The agency is working with state and local health departments on the issue.

Ezricare said he had not received any consumer complaints or adverse reaction reports related to the investigation or any word from regulators about the probe, nor had he been asked to call back.

Still, the company said that “in great caution” it strongly urged customers to stop using “any servings of EzriCare Artificial Tear Lubricating Eye Drops that you may have until we can find out more details about any potential security issues.”

Ezricare noted that EzriCare Artificial Tears “was formulated, designed, and imported by” Aru Pharma Inc and manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare PVT LTD.

Some law firms, like Simmons Hanly Conroy, a national firm, are already looking for potential plaintiffs.