If you have dry, itchy eyes or allergies, you might rely on over-the-counter eye drops for relief. But if you recently purchased your bottle, you may want to take a second look at the label. That’s because the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) just updated a major nationwide eye drop recall affecting millions of bottles.
According to the FDA’s announcement, the voluntary recall was first initiated in August by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC over potential sterility concerns. On September 21, the FDA gave the recall a Class II designation, which means that using the impacted products “may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences.”
But while the recalled drops are unlikely to cause serious injury, you should probably still avoid using them. Here’s everything you need to know about the recall.
The recalled drops were all manufactured by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC and sold under a variety of brand names. The drops were distributed to major drugstores and retailers nationwide, including Walgreens. Check your medicine cabinet for the following:
More information can be found in the FDA’s enforcement report.
As of right now, the FDA hasn’t announced any injuries or illnesses associated with the recall. However, if you do have the recalled drops in your home, you shouldn’t use them. Instead, throw them out or return them to where you purchased them. If you’ve already used the recalled drops, monitor your vision for any new symptoms and be sure to call your doctor right away if you have health concerns.
