On February 22, India-based Global Pharma Healthcare voluntarily issued a recall of their popular Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment due to risk of microbial contamination and advised doctors and patients to immediately stop using the eye product.*

Second recall alert

The decision by Global Pharma Healthcare to recall the eye ointment comes on the heels of their recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears in January. Ezricare Artificial Tears was linked to a range of infections, with sepsis involved. Patients reported permanent vision loss and one person had died after eye drop use.

Now, Global Pharma has agreed to a request by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment product over possible contamination from as-yet unidentified bacteria.

Company Announcement

In Global Pharma Healthcare’s company announcement posted by the FDA, the firm stated that they’re “voluntarily recalling Batch No. H29 of Artificial Eye Ointment, distributed by Delsam Pharma to the consumer level, due to possible microbial contamination. Additionally, some product packaging is leaking or may otherwise be compromised.”

In a statement of risk, Global Pharma said that “[u]se of contaminated eye ointment may cause adverse events, including infection in the eye that could lead to blindness.” 

Identifying the recalled drug

As described by Global Pharma, Artificial Eye Ointment is an over-the-counter drug used for eye lubrication and relief of dry eye symptoms.

• The ointment comes in a white aluminum tube inside a white paper carton with blue lettering. Product photos are available at the bottom of the announcement. 
• The product was distributed throughout the U.S. and internet retail sites. The UPC code for the product is 3 72570 12235 3.

If you experience related issues or have questions

Consumers are advised to contact their healthcare provider if they experience any issues (eye redness, pain, inflammation, etc.) they believe are related to either EzriCare Artificial Tears or Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Eye Ointment.

• Serious reactions or quality issues can be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch program.
• Consumers can also contact Delsam Pharma at delsampharma@yahoo.com.

The company warns that “[W]holesalers, retailers, and customers who have the recalled product should stop any use and discard the product safely and appropriately.”

*Staff. (2023, February 23). Recall alert: More eye products recalled because of contamination. MDLinx. https://www.mdlinx.com/article/recall-alert-more-eye-products-recalled-because-of-contamination/mXvvpQT5pVmVgHJBs3ocD