Walmart has recalled multiple eye drops due to a risk of severe eye infections, vision loss, blindness, and other complications.
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Walmart Eye Drops induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with a severe eye infection, vision loss, or blindness from Walmart eye drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
UPDATE: Walmart Recalls Equate Eye Ointment for Infection Risk
In February 2024, the India-based drug-maker Brassica Pharma Pvt. recalled two types of Equate Eye Ointment due to a risk of infections. The recall included the following products from Walmart:
- Equate Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 42.5%, White Petrolatum 57.3%, Lanolin Alcohols): 3.5 gram tube, packaged in cardboard box with UPC Code 681131395298; NDC 79903-026-35
- Equate Stye Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 31.9%, White Petrolatum 57.7%, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearic Acid, Wheat Germ Oil): 3.5 gram tube, packaged in cardboard box with UPC Code 681131395304
Eye Drops Linked to Risk of Infections & Blindness
On October 30, 2023, the FDA added Walmart eye drops to the list of eye drops that consumers should NOT use due to a risk of infections and blindness.
The list includes 27 eye drop products, including items that were sold at Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, other stores and online.
Were Any Infections Reported?
No infections were reported as of October 2023, but the FDA warned consumers about a “potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness.” The warning was issued after FDA inspectors found dangerous bacteria in the manufacturing facility.
FDA Warning for Walmart Eye Drops
The Walmart eye drop product in the FDA warning is Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop (10 mL). This product is also labeled as Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops. It was sold by Walmart in stores and online. Walmart is removing it from stores and its website.
What Happened?
The FDA said that inspectors found “insanitary conditions” and dangerous bacteria in “critical drug production areas” of the facility where the eye drops were manufactured.
This is problem because it is so important that eye drops are sterile — they are applied directly to the eyes, which bypasses some of the body’s natural defenses, and increases the risk of infections if the eye drops are contaminated.
Lawsuit Blames Walmart Eye Drops for Severe Infections
Contaminated eye drops have been linked to deadly infection outbreaks. For example, Walmart sold EzriCare Artificial Tears, which was linked to an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas infections.
At least 4 people died and 81 people were infected in multiple states. Walmart was also hit with lawsuits involving people who lost their vision or needed medical treatment after developing severe eye infections.
What is the Risk?
- Eye infection
- Vision loss
- Blindness
- Loss of the eye
- Infection spreads to other parts of the body
- Bloodstream infection
- Death
Were My Eye Drops Recalled?
The FDA asked the manufacturer to recall all lots of Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop (10 mL) on October 25, 2023. Many stores, including Walmart, took a proactive approach and immediately pulled them off store shelves.
What Should I Do?
Consumers who used the recalled eye drops from Walmart should seek medical care if they develop symptoms of an eye infection, such as:
- Yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Redness of the eye or eyelid
- Feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
Altaire Pharmaceuticals Recalls Eye Drops from Walmart
In July 2019, Altaire Pharmaceuticals recalled dozens of over-the-counter Equate® products, including eye drops and ointments that were sold at Walmart. The products may not be sterile, which poses a risk of eye infections, vision loss, blindness, and other complications.
Do I have a Walmart Eye Drop Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Walmart Eye Drops induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with a severe eye infection, vision loss, or blindness from Walmart eye drops, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Defective Drug Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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