NAFDAC warns about danger of using EzriCare eye drop

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted Nigerians to the danger of using EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears eye drops.

It warned that using the eye drops could make one lose one’s vision and be subjected to eyeball removal surgery.

It said the eye drop had been recalled due to suspected contamination with pseudomonas aeruginosa, a highly resistant bacterium.

This is contained in a public alert signed by NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in Abuja on Sunday.

According to her, since the recall in February, the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has reported 68 patients across 16 states with health problems from the bacteria, including eye infections.

Other problems associated with the eye drop are permanent loss of vision, surgical removal of eyeballs, and a case of death with a “bloodstream infection”.

The NAFDAC boss said that laboratory testing identified the bacteria in opened EzriCare bottles from multiple sources according to the CDC.

She stated that unopened bottles were being examined to check whether contamination occurred during manufacturing.

Pseudomonas is a type of bacteria (germ) found commonly in the soil and water.

NAFDAC boss said, “Signs of infection include yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, discomfort or pain, redness, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light.

“Artificial tears (carboxymethylcellulose sodium), Lubricant Eye Drops are used as a protectant against further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye for the temporary relief of discomfort due to minor irritations of the eye, or to exposure to wind or sun.

“Although the products are not in the NAFDAC database, importers, distributors, retailers and consumers are therefore advised to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain.”