EzriCare Eyedrops Lawsuit

What Are EzriCare Artificial Tears?

EzriCare artificial tears are over-the-counter eyedrops used as a lubricant for eyes, relieving dry, irritated eyes. Carboxymethylcellulose sodium is the active ingredient in these drops. 

Millions of individuals have used these eyedrops, which the brand has recently recalled. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now warns against purchasing or using these drops, as they have been linked to serious health issues.

The Problem with EzriCare Eyedrops

The eyes are a vital part of the body, and keeping them healthy is critical. When you use eyedrops or any other eye product, you trust the product to help, and not hurt, your eye health. But the primary issue with eyedrops is the significant chance of the product or the dropper itself transmitting harmful pathogens into the body through the eyes. 

This is exactly what has recently occurred with EzriCare eyedrops. Unfortunately, countless victims have experienced serious eye infections and other health complications after using this product. 

So far, these infections caused by EzriDrops have been found in at least 12 states, including: 

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

As a result of so many infections, the CDC has released statements urging individuals to stop using and doctors to stop recommending these eye drops.

EzriCare Artificial Tears and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) tested the product, and after a thorough investigation, they determined the cause of these serious eye problems is a bacteria called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common type of bacteria found in many natural environments, especially those that are damp, like water and soil. The bacteria can easily and quickly cause various medical conditions in the body, typically in the blood and lungs, among other areas of the body. 

This type of bacteria is particularly dangerous and harmful as it constantly evolves. As it evolves, it develops resistance to antibiotics, making it challenging to treat. For this reason, pseudomonas aeruginosa can lead to serious health complications and even death. 

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often found in hospitals and other medical facilities. It is one of the leading types of bacteria responsible for causing severe infections in patients. The bacteria finds its way inside the body in various ways, including via airways and wounds. 

Because this bacteria was found in EzriCare eyedrops, whenever patients used the product, it easily made its way inside the body through the eyes, causing substantial harm. 

Symptoms of an Eye Infection Caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

Victims who have used contaminated EzriCare drops are at risk of developing eye infections, which usually develop in the cornea or intraocular fluids. 

Some of the symptoms produced by these eye infections include:

• Eye pain or discomfort 
• Eye discharge (clear, yellow, or green in color)
• Red eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyes or swelling around the eyes
• Itching in or around the eyes

If you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, they could be a sign of a serious eye infection. Stop using EzriCare eyedrops right away and seek medical attention as quickly as possible to receive a proper diagnosis.

Medical Complications Caused by Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Eye Infections

Victims who have contracted an infection as a result of EzriCare eyedrop use have experienced an array of medical complications. Many of these conditions affect the eyes alone, but some victims have suffered trouble in other parts of the body as well.

One of the most significant complications involves some degree of vision loss. The retina can suffer damage, and scars or ulcers may form in the cornea, which could cause some vision loss or even total blindness. 

The eye infection can also spread outside the eyes and cause harm, including respiratory or urinary infections. The infection could even potentially cause sepsis, which is the body’s natural but radical way of responding to infection, that could lead to death. 

While medical professionals can try their hardest to treat eye infections caused by pseudomonas aeruginosa, there is always a risk of severe medical complications. 

How Did EzriCare Eyedrops Become Contaminated?

At this point in time, as frustrating as it may be, the answer to this question is unclear. 

The CDC has performed extensive testing on eyedrop bottles obtained from infected victims as well as non-infected users. The results of these tests came back positive for pseudomonas aeruginosa, although it is still a question as to how the product became contaminated in the first place.

The results of the CDC’s tests did, however, establish the causal link between using EzriDrops and the infections and other medical issues consumers were experiencing. The contamination likely occurred during the manufacturing process.

Global Pharma manufactures EzriDrops, as well as other healthcare products, in India. It is not the first time this manufacturer has been called out for issues. 

Recently, the FDA added Global Pharma to its red list, meaning the FDA recognizes that issues exist with this manufacturer. This comes after Global Pharma failed to abide by the FDA’s rigid manufacturing requirements and ignored their repeated requests. 

While it is not certain how the EzriCare eyedrops became contaminated, this information regarding the product’s manufacturer almost makes it unsurprising. 

Similar Issues with Additional Pharmaceutical Distributors

Along with EzriCare’s eyedrops, the FDA has also recalled eyedrops produced by the same manufacturer (Global Pharma) but distributed by Delsam Pharma and Aru Pharma.

Global Pharma is to blame for the contamination of these drops, but there are several distributors in charge of circulating the product to consumers all over the world. Therefore, if you regularly use artificial tears, it is best to check the distributor of the product and stop use immediately if the product is distributed by any of the companies in question. 

Eyedrops That Have Been Recalled 

If you’ve used artificial tears distributed by EzriCare, Delsam Pharma, Pharmedica, or Aru Pharma and have experienced medical issues like those previously mentioned, you could have a valid claim for compensation. 

EzriCare Eyedrop Lawsuit

You might have a valid product liability claim if you sustained harm due to EzriCare eyedrops. 

When filing a product liability lawsuit, you’re attempting to seek justice for a wrong done unto you through the use of a defective product, including defective or harmful medicines. It allows you to hold responsible parties liable for your injuries and related losses.

If you utilized these eyedrops and suffered medical harm, the manufacturer of EzriCare eyedrops, Global Pharma, may be financially liable. Additionally, retailers of the product may also hold some responsibility. 

After using EzriCare eyedrops and sustaining injuries and other harm, discuss your situation with a product liability lawyer at McEldrew Purtell for personalized guidance. 

Who’s Entitled to File a Lawsuit After Using EzriCare Eyedrops?

You may qualify to file a product liability lawsuit and pursue monetary damages if:

• You used EzriCare eyedrops
• You suffered harm, including eye infections, vision loss, blindness, or some other health complication that could be tied to your use of EzriCare

If you’re unsure whether you can file an EzriCare eyedrops lawsuit, make sure to speak to a product liability attorney as soon as possible.

Damages Available for EzriCare Eyedrop Lawsuits

When you file a lawsuit, you seek damages to help cover the monetary and non-monetary losses resulting from your harm. The damages you may be entitled to receive are entirely dependent on your circumstances.

Potential damages you may be able to recover could include:

• Medical expenses for past and future medical needs
• Lost income
• Loss of earning potential caused by your injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Disability
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A product liability attorney can thoroughly review the details of your situation to determine how much your case is worth. Once you understand the value of your case, you can pursue the fairest possible outcome. 

Time Limits for Filing an EzriCare Eyedrops Lawsuit

The law imposes time restrictions on every type of civil lawsuit, called statutes of limitations. If you’re considering filing a lawsuit for harm suffered after using EzriCare drops, take note of your state’s statute.

In Pennsylvania, the statute of limitations for product liability cases is two years from the date of injury. Failing to file your claim within two years can have negative consequences and hurt your ability to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Therefore, after using EzriCare and sustaining an injury, do not hesitate to seek assistance from a qualified product liability lawyer. An attorney can help ensure your case is filed in a timely manner and handled properly.