Artificial Tear Infection Lawsuits

An outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) linked with the use of EzriCare artificial tear drops is currently under investigation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The manufacturer of EzriCare has issued a nationwide recall stating that there is a “potential microbial contamination” in the product.  For many people, this infection can cause vision loss which may be temporary or permanent vision loss.

If you have purchased or used these eye drops and suffered serious or permanent damage to your vision, Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP may be able to help. Call us today at (877) 800-1700 to set up a free consultation.

Infection Linked to Use of EzriCare Artificial Tear Eye Drops

According to the CDC, there has never been an outbreak of Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) in the states prior to this one. CDC officials have alerted doctors that this outbreak has been linked to the use of EzriCare artificial tear eye drops, and both the CDC and FDA recommend that clinicians and patients halt the use of these products immediately.

What is Carbapenem-Resistant Pseudomonas Aerguinosa (CRPA)?

Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is a type of bacterial infection that is resistant to certain types of antibiotics, known as carbapenems.

Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria that is commonly found in the environment, including in places like water and soil. There are many different types of Pseudomonas, but the one that most commonly causes infections in humans is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria can cause infections in the lungs (pneumonia), blood, and other parts of the body post-surgery.

Eye drops contaminated with CRPA can cause:

• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)
• Vision loss (temporary or permanent)
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Endophthalmitis (inflammation within the eye)

Symptoms and Treatment of CRPA Eye Infections

CRPA Eye Infection Symptoms include:

• Blurred vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Redness and inflammation of the eye or eyelid
• Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
• Pain or discomfort in the eye
• Feeling like there is something foreign in your eye

Treatment Options for CRPA Eye Infections include:

• Drainage or removal of the infected tissue
• Surgery
• Intravenous antibiotics
• Combination therapy with different antibiotics

These infections can be treated, however, because CRPA bacteria is resistant to carbapenems, antibiotic treatment choices will be limited and treatment can be more complicated than it would be with other infections. It is important to act quickly if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, because if left untreated CRPA can lead to permanent vision loss, blood infections, and more.

If you experience symptoms of a CRPA eye infection after the use of EzriCare artificial tears eye drops, see your doctor immediately. After you seek medical attention, contact Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP to learn more about your legal options moving forward.

Current Update and Recall

According to a CBS news report, all EzriCare and Delsam Pharma brands of artificial tears eye drops were recalled on February 2, 2023, due to possible bacteria contamination. At this time, the FDA suspects that the use of artificial tear eye drops contaminated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the main cause of the CRPA infection outbreak in the states.

The CDC reports that as of March 1, 2023, 64 patients in 13 states have been identified with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. There have been eight reports of vision loss and one person has died due to infections believed to be linked to the artificial tear eye drops. The majority of those affected commonly report using EzriCare brand of eye drops, while other patients report using multiple brands.

A statement made by Global Health Pharma stated that consumers who used the contaminated eye drops could potentially go blind. Because the eye connects to the nasal cavity, the eye drops can also cause infection in other parts of the body. The bacteria may travel through the tear ducts and germs can transport it from the nasal cavity into the lungs.

The States identified to have been affected by this outbreak include:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Nevada
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin

Recently, other manufacturers of eyedrops have followed EzriCare and Delsam Pharma and recalled their products due to sterility concerns.

Apotex

As of March 1st, Apotex, which manufactures a brand of glaucoma drops called “Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15%”. The recall was initiated “out of an abundance of caution” due to concern that cracks in some of the units’ caps could make the product unsterile and cause infection. So far, the company has checked four bottles with cracked caps with no reports of negative health effects related to the product.

Pharmedica

Another manufacturer, known as Pharmedica has recalled two lots of “Purely soothing, 15% MSM Drops as of March due to concerns over the product’s sterility. The company has not received any reports of infection or illness related to their product thus far but went so far as to warn patients that using the contaminated eye drops puts that at risk of going blind.

What If I Used the Eye Drops that have Been Recalled?

The FDA and CDC recommend patients immediately terminate the use of the recalled eye drops, even if they have not experienced any adverse reactions or exhibited any symptoms of infection.

If at any point you used the potentially unsafe eye drops that have since been recalled, contact your doctor for a safe alternative.

Who is Eligible to File an EzriCare Lawsuit?

Consumers who bought EzriCare Artificial Tears for personal use may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

If you or a loved one used EzriCare artificial tears and/or suffered from eye infections, vision loss, or other related injuries then you may have grounds for a claim. But it is important that you act fast, as you may only have a limited amount of time to take action due to your state’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations places a specific time frame on how long you have to file a legal claim.

If you’ve been harmed by using these eye drops, don’t hesitate to hold the manufacturer responsible. Call Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP law firm today to get started.

How Do You File an EzriCare Eye Drop Lawsuit?

The first and most important step to filing a lawsuit against EzriCare is to have an experienced legal team behind you. At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we understand how burdensome and complicated filing can feel, especially if you or a loved one has been injured or worse. Our team of talented attorneys is here to help you make this process as smooth as possible.

When you work with us to file your EzriCare claim we will:

• File your EzriCare lawsuit within the allotted time frame outlined by your state’s statute of limitations
• Aggressively negotiate your settlement
• Litigate your case in trial, if necessary
• Assess and verify whether or not you are eligible to take legal action in your preliminary, free case review
• Build a strong case by gathering evidence, medical records, and expert testimony

How We Can Help You

At Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP, we regularly take on large corporations whose negligence directly and negatively impacts and injures our clients. If you’ve been a victim of the EzriCare eye drops, we know that you have likely suffered more than just the injury. You’ve likely incurred large medical expense bills, lost wages from time off work, and endured pain and suffering. Our top-rated lawyers understand how difficult this can be and will fight for your rights and will help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

Why Work with the Attorneys of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP law firm?

When you choose to work with the attorneys of Panish | Shea | Ravipudi LLP you get:

• Access to a nationally ranked, award-winning law firm
• Free consultations to discuss your case and assess if we are the right firm for you
• An experienced team of personal injury lawyers who can help clients nationwide

Our talented and nationally recognized team of attorneys are here to help you. If you have purchased and/or been injured by the EzriCare artificial tears eye drops, don’t hesitate to get started on filing your claim. Call us today at (877) 800-1700 for a free consultation.