FDA warns consumers not to purchase or use
certain eye drops from several major brands
due to risk of eye infection



[10/30/2023] FDA is updating the list of over-the-counter eye drop products consumers
should not purchase or use to include Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL
sold by Walmart in stores and online. Walmart is removing the product from their store
shelves and website.

[10/27/2023] FDA is warning consumers not to purchase and to immediately stop using
26 over-the-counter eye drop products due to the potential risk of eye infections that could
result in partial vision loss or blindness. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an
eye infection after using these products should talk to their health care provider or seek
medical care immediately.

These products are marketed under the following brands:






These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential
heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the
body’s natural defenses.

FDA recommended the manufacturer of these products recall all lots on October 25, 2023,
after agency investigators found insanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and
positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling of critical drug production
areas in the facility. FDA also recommends consumers properly discard these products.

CVS, Rite Aid and Target are removing the products from their store shelves and websites.
Products branded as Leader, Rugby and Velocity may still be available to purchase in stores
and online and should not be purchased.

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:














FDA Website