Clear Eyes Recall

Manufacturer Teva Pharmaceuticals recalled its Clear Eyes allergy product in February 2023 due to the eye drops failing impurity testing. While this eye drop recall is currently not linked to the recent outbreaks of deadly bacteria, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the potential health risks from using impure or non-sterile eye drops can be considerable.

When you buy a bottle of eye drops, you can’t see whether they are tainted and rely on a manufacturer to ensure that the product is sterile, free from impurities and bacteria, and safe to use. Using a contaminated eye drop product can put individuals at risk of developing infections ranging from minor to severe and even fatal.

When pharmaceutical companies put profits before the health of individuals, Morgan & Morgan can step in, level the playing field, and fight for maximum compensation for victims. If you or a loved one developed an infection or injury after using recalled eye drops, we could help you file a lawsuit and recover damages. Contact Morgan & Morgan now to learn about your rights in a free consultation.

Clear Eyes Eye Drops Recall Details

Clear Eyes Once Daily Eye Allergy Itch Relief by Teva Pharmaceuticals is an over-the-counter medication that, according to the manufacturer, relieves allergy sufferers from itchy and irritated eyes. The drops contain 0.2% Olopatadine HCL, an antihistamine used to treat symptoms from common allergens such as animal hair, pollen, ragweed, and others.

While the February 2023 recall of Clear Eyes is not officially linked to the eye drop recalls involving infections with the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, the manufacturer decided to recall specific lots of eye drops due to failing to meet impurities specifications in tests.

Batches Recalled by Teva Pharmaceuticals

The manufacturer voluntarily recalled over 715,000 eye drop bottles, including batches with expiration dates into late 2023 and early 2024. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA), the following lots are affected:

• 114349, exp. 05/2023
• 117396, exp. 09/2023
• 0120128, exp. 11/2023
• 114371, exp. 06/2023
• 123781, exp. 02/2024

The recall was designated a Class II by the FDA, meaning the use of the product may cause temporary adverse health consequences and has the remote possibility of causing serious adverse health conditions.

If you own eye drops from affected batches, you can return them to the retailer to receive a full refund. Teva Pharmaceuticals also provides a recall hotline at 888-838-2872, where you can check whether your eye drops are affected and ask questions about the recall.

Why Are Eye Drop Recalls Issued?

According to the FDA, a recall is generally a voluntary action by manufacturers and distributors wanting to protect the public from products that present a risk of injury. Typically, firms remove or correct a product that the FDA considers to violate laws and against which the agency would take legal action in due course unless recalled.  

Regarding eye drops specifically, a recall can occur due to the following:

• A mistake in the manufacturing process
• The eye drops are not working as they should
• Contamination during manufacture
• Lack of sterility allowing bacterial growth
• Defective labeling
• Incomplete instructions for use

Recalls are serious because unsafe medication can severely affect people’s health and well-being. If you have purchased Clear Eyes eye drops or any other recalled eye medication, stop using the product immediately and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist, who can advise whether the medication has been recalled and dispense or prescribe alternative eye drops.

Eye Drop Recalls Due to Potential Bacterial Contamination

Clear Eyes is only one among many eye drop recalls in 2023. In early February, two products were recalled by the manufacturer, Global Pharma Healthcare, due to potential contamination with drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a dangerous and deadly drug-resistant bacteria. The recall was issued after the company received reports of eye infections with the rare strain VIM-GES-CRPA in people who had used the products. The recalled products included EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops.

In March 2023, the FDA recalled two further brands of eye drops due to questions about sterility. The affected brands are Pharmedica USA LLC Purely Soothing 15% MSM Drops and Apotex Corp Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution (0.15%).

If you have used any recalled eye drops and are experiencing eye infections or other significant health complications, contact a doctor immediately.

Symptoms of a Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection

In people with weakened immune systems, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause severe eye infections that could lead to blindness. Symptoms of an eye infection involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa can include:

• Eye redness
• Watery eyes
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Eye pain

The bacteria can also lead to infections elsewhere in the body, involving the blood, lungs, ears, urinary tract, and other body parts. Symptoms of such infections may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Painful and frequent urination
• Pain in the pelvic area
• Ear pain
• Decreased hearing

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is typically treated with antibiotics. However, the strain associated with eye drop recalls is highly resistant to treatment with drugs.

Preventing a Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Infection

Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can spread between patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Many infections prompting the recent eye drop recall occurred in healthcare settings. However, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself and others from harmful bacteria.

Good hygiene practices are essential for preventing the spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Regular handwashing is crucial, particularly before eating, after using the bathroom, and after encountering surfaces that may be contaminated.

Additionally, people with weakened immune systems who are at higher risk for infection, such as those undergoing cancer treatment and individuals suffering from cystic fibrosis or diabetes, should take extra precautions. They may wish to avoid swimming pools and hot tubs and refrain from contact with contaminated soil or water.

Practice Proper Eye Drop Hygiene

Proper eye drop hygiene can be critical to avoid infections and other eye problems. The following steps can help you stay safe:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before using eye drops.
2. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before using eye drops unless the product is specifically labeled for use with contacts.
3. Check the expiration date of the eye drops before use. Do not use eye drops that are expired or appear cloudy, discolored, or have particles in them.
4. Tilt your head back or lie down and look up at the ceiling. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
5. Hold the eye drop bottle close to your eye, being careful not to touch the tip of the dropper with fingers, eyes, or eyelashes.  
6. Squeeze the bottle to release one drop into the pocket created by your lower eyelid.
7. Close your eyes gently for a few seconds to allow the drops to spread evenly over your eye.

After using eye drops, wash your hands again. Replace the cap on the bottle and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not share your eye drops with others, even if they have similar symptoms. Importantly, seek medical advice if you experience any irritation, discomfort, or vision changes after using eye drops.

You Could Be Entitled to Compensation

When eye drops are dangerous or defective, they can cause severe harm. If you or a loved one experienced an illness due to contaminated eye drops, you could qualify for compensation from the manufacturer, distributor, or other involved parties. What you can recover will depend on your damages and the circumstances of your case. However, generally, victims may be entitled to various economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are intended to compensate victims for financial losses, such as:

• Healthcare costs
• Lost income
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Victims may also receive compensation for their future medical expenses and lost earning capacity, depending on the severity of their injuries.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate injured individuals for the pain and suffering they experience due to their injuries and can include awards for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

In some cases, persons injured by a product mentioned in the eye drop recall could be entitled to punitive damages. Such damages are intended to punish the manufacturer or distributor for particularly egregious conduct and deter them and others from engaging in similar behavior. An attorney at Morgan & Morgan can assess the impact of your injury on your life and determine a fair settlement amount.