EzriCare Eye Drops Lawsuit Attorney

Update: Another Death, More Vision Loss Cases Linked to Contaminated Eye Drops, CDC Says

May 22, 2023 – The U.S. CDC has announced an additional death and at least a half dozen more cases of vision loss linked to infections from recalled eye drops, according to CNN [2.].

To date, a total of at least 4 deaths, 14 cases of vision loss, 4 cases of surgically removed eyeballs, and more than 80 infections of Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been reported in patients who used 10 brands of eye drops, most commonly EzriCare Artificial Tears.

Seven of the 13 newly identified patients had specimens collected following the February 2023 eye drop recall. Of the 7 patients, most reported either using the eye drops in long-term care facilities where there were other cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Centers for Disease Control Investigates EzriCare Eye Infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 85% of patients with pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) bacterial infections reported using at least one of more than 10 brands of artificial tears, and most patients used the EzriCare brand [1]. The contaminated eye drops are preservative-free, meaning they don’t have ingredients to prevent bacterial growth.

As of January 31, 2023, the CDCP has identified at least 55 patients with pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in 12 states:

• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Florida
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Nevada
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wisconsin

To date, at least 38 cases have been associated with 4 healthcare facility clusters. The dates of the specimen collection range from May 2022 to Jan. 2023, CDC said.

Using artificial tears or eye drops before developing the CRPA infection is believed to be the most common form of exposure.

Testing of open EzriCare bottles identified Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria that resist antibiotics including cefepime, ceftazidime, piperacillin-tazobactam, aztreonam, carbapenems, ceftazidime-avibactam, ceftolozane-tazobactam, fluoroquinolones, polymyxins, amikacin, gentamicin and tobramycin. However, bacterial isolates that were tested against cefiderocol were susceptible to it.

The bacteria in the open bottles could have come from contamination either during use or during the manufacturing process, CDC said. Testing of unopened bottles is ongoing.

EzriCare Bacterial Infection

The CDC has received reports of the following injuries associated with the ith use of contaminated Ezricare products:

• CRPA infections
• Ocular infection
• Blindness
• Pink eye
• Infected tissue
• Respiratory infections
• Bacterial infections
• Bloodstream infection
• Death

EzriCare Eye Drops Lawsuits Filed After Infections, Death: ABC News Video

What’s the Difference Between Ezricare Eye Drops and Artificial Tears?

Artificial tears (lubricating eye drops) and redness-reducing eye drops are both over-the-counter products that you can find on the Internet or at your local pharmacy. However, this product has different uses.

Artificial tears can help relieve symptoms of dry eye and give your eyes some much-needed moisture as a form of treatment. They can also make your tears thicker or help create a protective layer over your eye.

However, unlike many types of eye drops, artificial tears don’t contain medication. They contain chemicals like glycerin, carboxymethylcellulose, or polyethylene glycol that mimic a person’s natural tears.

Eye drops, on the other hand, help control eye redness (bloodshot eyes). These products typically contain an alpha agonist medication like naphazoline, tetrahydrozoline, or brimonidine. Eye drops tighten blood vessels in the eyes to help them return to their normal color.

Is There an EzriCare Eye Drops Recall?

On February 2, 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare announced a voluntary recall of its EzriCare artificial tears eyedrops in response to the Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak. The recall comes after the CDC warned consumers to immediately stop using eye drops.

EzriCare said in a statement that it “had no role in the formulation, packaging delivery system or actual manufacturing of this product.” The company said it only designed the label and marketed the contaminated eye drops.

Related Article: LightEyez MSM Eye Drops Lawsuit

Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Eye Infections

“The specific strain, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA), had never been reported in the United States prior to this outbreak,” CDC said. “The outbreak is associated with multiple types of antibiotic resistance infections, including eye infections.”

Symptoms of CRPA Eye Infections

Common symptoms of an Artificial Tears eye infection include:

• Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Redness of the eye or the feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision

Damages Caused by EzriCare Infections

Complications caused by EzriCare infections can leave patients with various degrees of vision loss. The retina can suffer damage, scars, and ulcers which lead to partial or total blindness.

These types of eye infections can even spread to other areas in the body and endanger other organs or a patient’s life.

These problems have a multitude of potential health complications for those infected with VIM-GES-CRPA caused by EzriCare products.

Even those who manage to avoid serious complications are still stuck with medical bills and lost wages resulting from their illnesses.

In product liability lawsuits, these losses caused by defective products like EzriCare Artificial Tears eye drops are known as damages. They can be compensated by filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer.

The damages involved in EzriCare Artificial Tear lawsuits are going to be extensive and can be separated into economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic damages are financial losses with a dollar value such as medical bills. Non-economic damages are those that lack a specific dollar value, such as the emotional pain associated with the loss of one’s eyesight.

Related Article: Dr. Berne’s MSM Eye Drops Lawsuit

CRPA Eye Infection Treatment Options

CDC recommends that individuals who have used EzriCare artificial tears eyedrops and who have symptoms of vision loss or an eye infection should seek medical attention immediately. The agency warns patients immediately discontinue the use of Ezricare eye drops should symptoms occur.

At this time, there is no recommendation for the test of patients who have used Ezricare Eye Drops and who are not experiencing any symptoms of a pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.

Am I Eligible to File an EzriCare Eye Drops Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file an EzriCare lawsuit if you or a loved one:

• Used EzriCare Artificial Tears
• Suffered vision loss, eye infections, or other injuries as a result

Be advised that you only have a limited amount of time to take action. State laws known as statutes of limitations limit how long you have to file an EzriCare Lawsuit. Contact the legal team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, today for legal action and to learn more about your rights.

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FAQs

1. What Evidence Is Needed to Support an EzriCare Eye Drops Lawsuit?

Key evidence includes medical records, product purchase receipts, expert testimony linking injuries to EzriCare eye drops, and documentation of any adverse effects experienced after using the product.

2. Are There Any Recalls for EzriCare Eye Drops Due to Safety Concerns?

Yes, EzriCare eye drops have been subject to recalls due to potential safety concerns, including contamination risks. It’s essential to check official recall notices for specific details.

3. What Injuries or Side Effects Have Been Reported From Using EzriCare Eye Drops?

Reported injuries include eye infections, vision loss, and other serious complications. Side effects vary, with some users experiencing irritation, redness, or severe allergic reactions.

Find an EzriCare Artificial Tears Lawyer Near You

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP national law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in Ezricare Artificial Tears lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and are currently accepting new legal challenges in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one suffered from irreversible vision loss or other complications after using Ezricare Artificial Tears, you should contact our law firm immediately for a free case evaluation. You may be entitled to financial compensation by filing a suit and we can help.