FDA warns of dangerous infection risk in CVS, Target and other eye drop products

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning consumers to stop using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the risk of serious eye infections. The products, which are sold under a variety of brands, including CVS Health, Leader, Rugby, Rite Aid, Target Up&Up, and Velocity Pharma, may contain bacteria that can cause blindness.

The FDA issued the warning after finding bacterial contamination in critical drug production areas of a manufacturing facility where the eye drops are made. The agency has not received any reports of infections from consumers who have used the suspect products, but it is recommending that manufacturers pull all potentially contaminated products from store shelves.

CVS, Rite Aid, and Target have already removed the affected products from their stores, but Leader, Rugby, and Velocity Pharma eye drops may still be available online and in some retail stores. Consumers who have purchased any of the affected products are advised to stop using them immediately and dispose of them properly.

Symptoms of an eye infection include redness, pain, swelling, discharge, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms after using eye drops, see a doctor right away.

The FDA is continuing to investigate the matter and will provide more information as it becomes available. A full list of the affected products can be found on the FDA website.

Here is a list of the affected eye drop products:

• CVS Health Artificial Tears
• Leader Artificial Tears
• Rugby Artificial Tears
• Rite Aid Artificial Tears
• Target Up&Up Artificial Tears
• Velocity Pharma Artificial Tears
• CVS Health Artificial Tears Lubricant
• Leader Artificial Tears Lubricant
• Rugby Artificial Tears Lubricant
• Rite Aid Artificial Tears Lubricant
• Target Up&Up Artificial Tears Lubricant
• Velocity Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant
• CVS Health Artificial Tears Redness Reliever
• Leader Artificial Tears Redness Reliever
• Rugby Artificial Tears Redness Reliever
• Rite Aid Artificial Tears Redness Reliever
• Target Up&Up Artificial Tears Redness Reliever
• Velocity Pharma Artificial Tears Redness Reliever
• CVS Health Artificial Tears Sensitive Eyes
• Leader Artificial Tears Sensitive Eyes
• Rugby Artificial Tears Sensitive Eyes
• Rite Aid Artificial Tears Sensitive Eyes
• Target Up&Up Artificial Tears Sensitive Eyes
• Velocity Pharma Artificial Tears Sensitive Eyes
• CVS Health Artificial Tears Lubricant Sensitive Eyes
• Leader Artificial Tears Lubricant Sensitive Eyes
• Rugby Artificial Tears Lubricant Sensitive Eyes
• Rite Aid Artificial Tears Lubricant Sensitive Eyes
• Target Up&Up Artificial Tears Lubricant Sensitive Eyes
• Velocity Pharma Artificial Tears Lubricant Sensitive Eyes

If you have any questions or concerns about this warning, please contact the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332).

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