EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears
EzriCare Artificial Tears is a brand of eye lubricant used to relieve or protect against dry, irritated eyes. In February 2023, Global Pharma Healthcare recalled EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears because of potential bacterial contamination that could cause eye infections and vision loss.
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What Are EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears?
EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears are two brands of eye washes and lubricants made with the active ingredient carboxymethylcellulose sodium. It’s also called an ocular or ophthalmic lubricant.
Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is used in several other brands of eye drops and artificial tears. EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears each contain 10 mg in 1 ml of the active ingredient. EzriCare Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops are an over-the-counter product and you do not need a prescription to use them.
- Boric acid
- Calcium chloride dihydrate
- Magnesium chloride
- Potassium chloride
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium chlorite
- Sodium hydroxide
- Water for injection
India-based Global Pharma Healthcare LLC manufactured EzriCare Artificial Tears, according to an EzriCare statement. Aru Pharma Inc. designed, formulated and imported the product into the U.S. EzriCare’s only role was to create the label and market the eye drops to its U.S. customers, according to the company’s statement.
EzriCare Artificial Tears side effects include eye pain, changes in vision, itchy eyes, redness and irritation. If these symptoms get worse or continue for more than 72 hours, seek medical attention.
EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears Uses
People use EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears to relieve eye dryness. It may also help protect eyes from further irritation. These artificial tears may also treat discomfort from minor irritations of the eye from exposure to sun or wind.
Your doctor may recommend EzriCare Artificial Tears for other uses not on the label. According to dosage information, people should use one or two drops in the affected eye as needed.
How Effective Are EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears?
Studies have shown the active ingredient in EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears is effective in relieving mild to moderate dry eye. But people with more severe dry eyes may have to use a lubricating gel or ointment, which has a thicker formula. No single brand is effective for everyone, and people may have to try more than one brand.
In clinical trial results published in BMC Ophthalmology, researchers found that carboxymethylcellulose sodium was effective in relieving dry eye in patients who had cataract surgery. A November 2022 study published in Clinical Ophthalmology found that combining carboxymethylcellulose and hyaluronic acid was more effective than carboxymethylcellulose alone for treating dry eye.
EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears Consumer Warnings
On Feb. 2, 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers to stop using EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears immediately because of the risk of bacterial eye infections. Global Pharma Healthcare issued a recall for EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma Artificial tears, another brand the company manufactures.
Starting in May 2022, the CDC began investigating an outbreak of an extensively drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa linked to EzriCare Artificial Tears. As of May 15, 2023, the CDC had identified 81 patients in 18 states infected with a rare type of drug-resistant bacteria.
Most of the infected patients used artificial tears, and EzriCare Artificial Tears was the most reported brand. So far, three people have died and eight have reported vision loss. Immediately after the recall, people who suffered infections filed EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears lawsuits and class actions.
At the end of February 2023, Global Pharma also issued a recall for Delsam Pharma Artificial Eye Ointment.
Alternatives to EzriCare and Delsam Artificial Tears Eye Drops
Alternatives to EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears include other brands of over-the-counter artificial tears that may contain carboxymethylcellulose sodium or another type of active ingredient. So far, only EzriCare and Delsam Pharma brands have been recalled because of the risk of eye infections and vision loss.
- Blink-N-Clean Lens Drops
- HydraSense Night Therapy
- Optase Dry Eye Intense Drops
- Refresh Optive Mega-3 Lubricant
- Refresh Plus Preservative-Free
- Soothe XP
- Systane Complete Preservative-Free
- Systane Ultra Preservative-Free
Talk to your medical provider if you are unsure of which brand to use. They can recommend an alternative to EzriCare Artificial Tears or suggest another dry eye treatment.
If you switch eye drops and suffer any side effects, make sure to tell your medical provider right away so they can recommend another option.
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