Refresh Eye Drops Recall: 1 Million Bottles Pulled Due to Bacteria Concerns

Safety First: Understanding the Situation

Key Points:

• 1 million bottles of Refresh Eye Drops have been recalled by Akorn Pharmaceuticals
• The recall is due to potential contamination with the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• The bacteria can cause serious eye infections, including corneal ulcers and blindness

What You Need to Know:

• Affected Products: Refresh Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, Refresh Plus Lubricant Eye Drops, Refresh Optive Lubricant Eye Drops, Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant Eye Drops, and Refresh Celluvisc Lubricant Eye Drops
• Lot Numbers: The affected lot numbers can be found on the Akorn Pharmaceuticals website: https://www.akorn.com/product-safety/recall
• Discontinue Use: Consumers are advised to immediately discontinue use of the affected products
• Contact Healthcare Providers: If you have experienced any eye pain, redness, or discomfort after using the affected products, contact your healthcare provider promptly

Health Risks Associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a type of bacteria that can cause a wide range of infections, including:

• Corneal Ulcers: A painful infection of the clear outer layer of the eye
• Conjunctivitis: An inflammation of the clear membrane that covers the white of the eye and lines the eyelid
• Endophthalmitis: A serious infection of the inner part of the eye

In severe cases, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can lead to blindness.

Reporting Adverse Events

If you have experienced any adverse events related to the use of the affected Refresh Eye Drops, you can report them to the FDA's MedWatch program:

• Online: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home
• Phone: 1-800-FDA-1088
• Fax: 1-800-FDA-0178

Preventing Eye Infections

To prevent eye infections, follow these tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes
• Avoid using contaminated water or solutions
• Do not share eye drops or other eye products
• Replace contact lenses regularly and follow proper care instructions
• See your healthcare provider for regular eye checkups

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What are the symptoms of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa eye infection?
  A: Pain, redness, swelling, discharge, blurred vision, and sensitivity to light.
• Q: How do I know if my Refresh Eye Drops are affected by the recall?
  A: Check the lot number on the bottom of the bottle against the list of affected lot numbers on the Akorn Pharmaceuticals website.
• Q: What should I do if I have used the affected Refresh Eye Drops?
  A: Discontinue use immediately and contact your healthcare provider if you experience any eye discomfort.
• Q: Where can I find more information about the recall?
  A: Visit the Akorn Pharmaceuticals website: https://www.akorn.com/product-safety/recall.

Related Resources

• FDA Safety Alert: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-and-safety-alerts/akorn-pharmaceuticals-inc-issues-voluntary-nationwide-recall-refresh-eye-drops
• CDC: Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections: https://www.cdc.gov/pseudomonas/
• American Academy of Ophthalmology: Eye Infections: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/conjunctivitis-pink-eye