EzriCare Artificial Tears

Ezricare Artificial Tears Lawsuits

The Product Liability attorneys at the Neumann Law Group are currently accepting claims of those severely injured by EzriCare Artificial Tears. The EzriCare eyedrops have been linked to bacterial infections causing eye damage and have led to death. These artificial tears are sold under the EzriCare brand name; however, were designed by Aru Pharma, Inc. and are manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare PVT, LTD.

EzriCare is making sure to point this out as they do not intend to accept any responsibility for injuries caused by a product marketed under their name as they do not “manufacturer” it. Fortunately, the Consumer Product and Safety Commission (“CPSC”) has included importers in its definition of ‘manufacturer’. EzriCare has the duty to ensure that any product entering the United States is safe for consumer use if they intend to sell it. An import alert has been placed on Global Pharma Healthcare by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) to prevent these products from further entering the United States.

How Do Artificial Tears Work?

A main ingredient in EzriCare Artificial Tears is called Carboxymethylcellulose sodium. This is a common ingredient that mimics the effects of actual tears and has been used in eyedrops for many years. This ingredient is generally considered to be safe for use; however, placing a product contaminated with bacteria in the eye can have devastating effects. Global Pharma Healthcare announced a voluntary recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears on February 2, 2023, at the recommendation of the FDA.

Where Did the Infections Come From?

On January 20, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) issued a warning urging consumers to immediately cease use of the EzriCare Artificial Tears. As of that time, more than 50 patients from 12 different states had experienced bacterial infections. The common denominator was the EzriCare Artificial Tears. The CDC collected this patient data between May 2022 and January 2023. They continue to investigate claims daily.

There has already been at least one death due to sepsis caused by the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears. As of February 1, 2023, the CDC also recommends that consumers not to use “Delsam Pharma’s’ Artificial Tears” as well.

The CDC found that the artificial tears contain bacteria that is highly resistant to antibiotics. The breakout is caused by “Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) producing the Verona integron‒encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM)”. In plain language, it is a drug resistant bacterium that is responsible for many different types of infections. The CDC indicated that this particular combination of drug resistant bacterium has “not previously observed in the United States”.

What Happens to the Eye When Exposed to Crpa Infection?

CRPA infections are often obtained from water sources or in a healthcare setting. This infection is often non-responsive to antibiotic treatment meaning that it can lead to permanent blindness, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and even death if alternate treatments are unsuccessful. If the infections continue to resist medications, surgery and/or drainage might be necessary.

If you or a loved one have used EzriCare Artificial Tears you may experience the following symptoms, and if so, get to your doctor immediately!

• Eye redness
• Pain in or around the eyes
• Discharge from the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Swelling near the eyes
• Itching near the eyes
• Watery eyes
• Dry eyes
• Sensitivity to light

When the Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows up in someone’s eyes, they can develop severe infections such as:

• Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
• Inflamed cornea (Keratitis)
• Skin infection around the eyes (Cellulitis)
• Tear gland blockages (Dacryocystitis)
• Inflammation of fluids and tissues inside the eye (Endophthalmitis)

Endophthalmitis can cause permanent blindness without proper treatment so any of the above symptoms should be addressed immediately, especially if you have used EzriCare Artificial Tears.

What Did Ezricare Do Wrong?

The CDC determined EzriCare did not provide adequate warnings to consumers of the dangers of using their products, including blindness, sepsis, and death. As mentioned before, EzriCare claims they have no liability for the injuries that have occurred due to their “importer only” status The CDC revealed that the combination of bacterium was resistant to a dozen different antibiotics. They recommend that patients monitor for symptoms closely and for doctors treating patients for conditions consistent with the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears to immediately evaluate whether the two are connected.

The FDA determined that the manufacturers and distributors of EzriCare Artificial Tears did not meet our current “good manufacturing practice’ including “appropriate microbial testing, formulation issues (the company manufactures and distributes ophthalmic drugs in multi-use bottles, without an adequate preservative), and lack of proper controls concerning tamper-evident packaging”.

Both the CDC and FDA agree as of early February 2023, that people should not use Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears either.

EzriCare Artificial Tears have been sold online at retailers such as Amazon and Walmart in all 50 states and the number of infections is expected to continue to grow.

As of November 27, 2022, EzriCare was one of Amazon’s top ten selling ‘dry eye relief’ products. There is potential for claims against these retailers in the future as more facts develop.

Consult With an Experienced Products Liability Attorney

Often, large pharmaceutical companies will make attempts to ‘settle’ with consumers to avoid any claims or lawsuits being filed against them. If you agree to make any deal with their insurance company, you could potentially be denied the fair compensation that you deserve for your injuries due to EzriCare Artificial Tears.

If you believe you have experienced any of the above symptoms and diagnoses related to the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears, please contact the Neumann Law Group today to discuss your potential claim. You may be entitled to damages including pain and suffering, lost wages, and loss of consortium. No lawsuits have been filed against EzriCare as of February 2023. Contact us today attorneys at (800) 525-6386 today for a free consultation.