FDA: Counterfeit Over-the-Counter Eye Drops Found in Several States, With Bacterial Contamination Confirmed in Two Products
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that counterfeit versions of over-the-counter eye drops have been found in several states. The counterfeit products were found in Florida and Georgia in stores serving primarily Spanish-speaking customers, and may also be present in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and potentially other states.
The FDA said the quality of the counterfeit eye drops is unknown and that several of the products have tested positive for bacterial contamination. Laboratory testing found that a counterfeit product named Colirio Ocusan Alivio rapido del enrojecimiento is contaminated with Staphylococcus bacteria, and that another, Ocusan Ojos Secos, is contaminated with an unconfirmed type of bacteria. According to the FDA, such contamination may cause serious eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness.
The FDA said it is not aware of adverse events associated with any of these counterfeit products, that its investigation and product testing are ongoing, and that it is working with distributors to identify, investigate and remove unlawful eye drops found in the U.S. drug supply.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：使用滴眼液的示意画面。照片：CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Applying eye drops. Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
