In response to a warning letter from the Food & Drug Administration about possible safety concerns, Amazon has voluntarily removed seven brands of eye drops.
The eye drops, marketed as a homeopathic treatment for conjunctivitis, dry eyes, cataracts and irritation from dust or other allergens, are considered “new drugs” that have not yet been officially approved for sale by the FDA, according to the warning note.
The warning letter comes after the agency recalled batches of eye drop products in recent weeks, including over two dozen eye drop products sold by CVS Health, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rugby (Cardinal Health), Rite Aid, Target. Velocity Pharma and Walmart were recalled “after FDA investigators found unsanitary conditions,” USA Today previously reported.
Other eye drop products in recent months have been recalled once in August and another time in February due to possible contamination, infections, vision loss, a handful of deaths and other adverse circumstances, CNN reported.
The online retail giant has already begun removing all traces of these products from its website.
“Safety is Amazon’s top priority. We require that all products offered in our shop comply with applicable laws and regulations. The products in question have been investigated and are currently being removed,” a company spokesperson told CNN.
Here’s what we know.
Warning: The FDA recalls another 27 eye drop products: What you as a consumer need to know
Which eye drop products has Amazon voluntarily recalled?
What makes the sale and distribution of these ophthalmic products particularly concerning is that they pose a greater risk of harm “because the route of administration of these products bypasses some of the body’s natural defenses,” according to the FDA.
The recalled products are not “generally recognized as safe and effective” based on their intended use information.
Therefore, they are classified as “new drugs” by the FDA. New drugs cannot be introduced or shipped for introduction into interstate commerce without an approved FDA application.
Here is a list of the recalled products:
- Similasan Pink Eye Relief
- The Goodbye Company Pink Eye
- Can-C eye drops
- Optique 1 eye drops
- OcluMed eye drops
- TRP Natural Eyes Floaters Relief
- Manzanilla Sophia Chamomile Herbal Eye Drops
What should I do if I have already consumed the product?
If you exhibit any signs or symptoms of a possible infection, the FDA recommends consumers speak to their doctor immediately or seek medical attention quickly.
Adverse reactions to eye drops such as discharge, redness, or pain may indicate an infection. People should also check a product’s expiration date before using it, American Academy of Ophthalmology spokesperson Dr. Christopher Starr, CBS with.
Consumers should also properly dispose of eye drop products according to FDA guidelines. Users of eye drop products who experience a serious reaction as a result of a recall can file a report with the FDA online.
Eye drop recall list: Check out the dozens of eye care products being recalled in 2023