US health authorities have warned against the use of two over-the-counter eye drops manufactured by Chennai-based pharmaceutical company, Global Pharma Healthcare.
The eye drops were recalled by the company due to possible contamination that has been linked to multiple cases of vision loss, and one death in the US.
Here's a quick run through of what's happening.
The big point: Global Pharma Healthcare has been directed to halt the production of all 14 ophthalmic solutions. The decision was reportedly taken after a joint inspection with state authorities that was carried out late on Friday, according to a preliminary report submitted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said.
Why it matters: At least 55 cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and at least one death across 12 states in the US from May 2022 to January 2023, which doctors think could be linked to the eye drops, reported CBS News.
11 patients reportedly have infections directly in their eyes, and 5 of them have lost their vision according to a CDC spokesperson quoted by the news network.
The bigger picture: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a potentially deadly infection caused by the bacteria, Pseudomonas.
According to the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa is generally treated with antibiotics, however the stinger is that it's becoming more difficult to treat because of increasing antibiotic resistance.
What are US health authorities saying? The US Food and Drug Administration released a statement on Thursday warning against the use of two products, both manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare.
EzriCare Artificial Tears
Delsam Pharma's Artificial Tears
"Using contaminated artificial tears increases risk of eye infections that could result in blindness or death," warned the US FDA.
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