FDA Eye Drop Recalls Includes Many Brands for Risk of Infection

On October 30, 2023, the FDA eye drop recall includes several over-the-counter eye drop products sold at major retailers due to the potential risk of eye infections caused by bacterial contamination.

The FDA eye drop recall includes the products below:

• CVS Health Artificial Tears
• Rite Aid Artificial Tears
• Target Up & Up Artificial Tears
• Rugby Laboratories Hypromellose 2910-0.3% w/v & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops
• Rugby Laboratories Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 mL

A full list of eye drops recalled by the FDA is here and also at the end of this email. Please visit the FDA website for the latest information.

FDA Eye Drop Recall: Rugby Laboratories

As an authorized reseller of Rugby Laboratories, below are the two Rugby eye drops that have been recalled by the FDA. Please check the NDC Number and UPC Code on the box to confirm products. 

We contacted Rugby Laboratories to get more information. They said this was a suggested recall as no adverse reactions have been reported, however, this could change. They post recall information in their news section (right side). Please note that Major Pharmaceuticals and Rugby Laboratories are the same company. As of writing this blog post, there was no further information regarding the eye drops in question.

If you would like to contact Rugby Laboratories Product Information Team, please call 1-800-616-2471 and select option 1. They are available Monday - Friday 8 am to 8 pm EST.

Currently there are no other recalls for Rugby Laboratories products, however, this is subject to change. We encourage you to visit the FDA website for the latest information.

1. Rugby Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 0.1% Dextran / 0.3% Hypromellose 15 mL

• NDC Number: 0536-1282-94
• UPC Code: 305361282943

2. Rugby Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 mL

• NDC Number: 0536-1325-94
• UPC Code: 305361325947

Symptoms of Eye Infections

Using contaminated eye drops can lead to eye infections with symptoms like redness, swelling, eye pain, blurred vision, discharge, and swollen eyelids or conjunctiva. If you experience any of these symptoms after using the recalled drops, see a doctor immediately.

What to Do if Your Product is Part of the FDA Eye Drop Recall

If you have any of the recalled eye drops in your home, stop using them right away. Discard them safely by sealing the bottles in a plastic bag and throwing them in the trash. Never flush eye drops down the drain.

It's also a good idea to check your medicine cabinet for the affected products if you've purchased over-the-counter eye drops recently.

FDA has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection associated with these products at this time. FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or quality problems with any medicine to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program: 

• Complete and submit the report online at Medwatch
• Download and complete the form, then submit it via fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.

Choosing Safe Alternative Eye Drops

There are many safe over-the-counter artificial tear options available in place of the recalled eye drops:

• Systane Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops (Contains polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol)
• Refresh Optive Advanced Lubricant Eye Drops (Contains carboxymethylcellulose, glycerin, and osmoprotectants)
• Blink Tears Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops (Contains polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol)
• Biotrue Hydration Boost Lubricant Eye Drops (Contains hyaluronate and emulsifiers)
• Rugby Long Lasting Lubricating Eye Drops (Systane) (Generic for Systane - Contains polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol)
• Rugby Preservative-Free Lubricant Eye Drops Dry Eyes (Generic for Refresh Plus - Contains carboxymethylcellulose sodium)
• A full list of Rugby Laboratories and Major Pharmaceuticals Eye Drops

Look for eye drops containing polyquad or Purite as safe and effective preservatives. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for personalized recommendations.

The FDA Eye Drop Recall: Bottom Line

Eye health should be taken seriously. Carefully check your eye drop bottles against the recall list and properly dispose of any affected products immediately. If you have questions or concerns, consult with your doctor right away.

For more information, visit the FDA recall announcement and read up on eye drop recommendations from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

About xeteor.com

xeteor.com, started in 2018 is based in Las Vegas, Nevada and is online pharmacy focusing on discount over-the-counter generic medications and diabetic test strips. We find deals normally reserved for "big pharma" and offer them to the consumer at discount prices. Ranking as the #1 authorized online reseller of Rugby Laboratories products according to Trustpilot.com, xeteor.com has 8,000+ 5-star reviews online, including Amazon, eBay, Trustpilot, and Google. xeteor.com is a Google Top Quality Store, earned by merchants that provide a great shopping experience.

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If you have questions about the product or need assistance, we are happy to talk on the phone. Call us at 1-833-787-4777 between 9 am - 5 pm PST Monday - Friday. You can also email us at [email protected] or text us at 702-659-7022. A link to our full contact us page is here.

Disclaimer: This post is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any new treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this post.

Full List of FDA Recalled Products: November 1st, 2023

Please visit the FDA website for the latest list.