Many of us use eyedrops to relieve irritation or dryness. In fact, well over 100 million Americans use eyedrops at least once a year. The drops come in many forms, of course, with some able to be bought over the counter and others prescribed by healthcare professionals. Regardless, we use them under the assumption that they are safe. That may not be the case with EzriCare Artificial Tears, a brand of eyedrop from Global Pharma Healthcare, which has had to be pulled from the market due to its links with an infection called Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a serious type of eye infection that can cause blindness and result in death. Many people have reported vision loss, and several deaths linked to EzriCare have been reported in the mainstream media this year. The FDA issued a recall for EzriCare Artificial Tears in February 2023, but for some, it came too late. Ezricare lawsuits have been filed in several states, including two class-action lawsuits against Ezricare’s producers and distributors in the United States.

EzriCare Artificial Tears is manufactured by Global Pharma Healthcare, an Indian pharmaceutical company with operations around the globe. In the United States, it is distributed by EzriCare LLC, ARU Pharma, Deslam Pharma, and several other groups which have been named as defendants in the lawsuits. Notably, some of the lawsuits include Amazon Inc as a defendant, citing the retail giant as a distributor. The recall of EzriCare Artificial Tears came after an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which linked the product to an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Often with product recalls, we look to the Food and Drug Administration for guidance. And that is true of the EzriCare recall of 2023, which was voluntarily undertaken by Global Pharma Healthcare and announced by the FDA on February 2^nd,  2023. However, this was also an unusual recall, as it was the result of a partnership between the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The inclusion of the latter, which led the initial EzriCare investigation, points to the seriousness of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is a serious eye disease, capable of causing blindness and death. The FDA has been unequivocal in its statements, ordering the cessation of distribution and for those who have the drops to stop taking them.

• July 1, 2023 - Dry Eye Foundation encourages education of consumers and takes a stand on eye drops safety.

We are still at the early stage of the Ezricare lawsuits. As of June 2023, the death toll linked to Pseudomonas aeruginosa stands at four people. Dozens of people have experienced other problems, including severe infection and vision loss. In truth, we do not know the full extent of the issue. Lawsuits have been launched by individuals who have experienced injuries caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with the allegations laid squarely at the feet of the manufacturers and distributors, as well as healthcare providers who prescribed the lubricant. This includes the case of firefighter captain Adam Di Sarro, who is suing for $1 million after experiencing vision loss. Di Sarro is but one of many people suing EzriCare’s manufacturers and distributors – the broad term for the group is known as “the chain of commerce” – but we fear more people will come forward with horrific side effects caused by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa linked to EzriCare. As such, many more cases could be filed as victims pursue compensation.

EzriCare Artificial Tears is the brand name for carboxymethylcellulose sodium, a type of lubricant used to treat minor eye complaints like dryness and irritation. The main concern about the side effects of EzriCare Artificial Tears is the link with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a rare and serious eye disease that had never been identified in the United States before. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can lead to serious eye infections, permanent loss of vision (which may result in eye removal), and death. The latter can occur when the infection reaches the bloodstream. At the time of writing, four deaths have been credited to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Technically at the moment, there are two types of lawsuits aimed at EzriCare manufacturers and distributors. Product liability class-action lawsuits have been filed in the states of New York and Kentucky. These lawsuits can be joined by anyone who has bought or been prescribed the EzriCare Artificial Tears drops. A product liability class action is reserved for those who have a grievance for being sold a faulty product but who do not tend to have serious injuries. However, those with serious injuries are pursuing individual cases for compensation. It is possible that some or all of these lawsuits are combined into a mass tort case, allowing for greater efficiency as the cases pass through the courts. However, in a mass tort case, each plaintiff would be eligible for compensation based on their individual case merits.

How much can I get for an EzriCare lawsuit settlement? Compensation would depend on individual circumstances. However, when looking at some of the news reports of individuals pursuing lawsuits, we can see that some of the figures exceed sums of $1 million. EzriCare settlement calculations will depend on several factors, including proving the link between EzriCare Artificial Tears and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, whether there was wrongdoing and negligence on the part of anyone in the chain of commerce distributing the product, the level of injury caused, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other factors linked to pain and suffering. As mentioned, it’s an early stage of investigation in the lawsuits, but EzriCare lawyers are taking cases on from people coming forward. If you feel you have been injured by EzriCare, you should contact an attorney to see if you are eligible to pursue compensation.

What is EzriCare artificial tears?

EzriCare Artificial Tears is a brand name for carboxymethylcellulose sodium, a type of eye lubricant used to treat conditions like irritation and infection. It has multiple use cases. For example, it may be used by those with irritation after wearing contact lenses.

What are the problems with EzriCare?

The main issue with EzriCare Artificial Tears is the link with a rare eye disease called Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The link was uncovered after an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause vision problems and blindness, and it can lead to death. At least four people are known to have died due to the condition. 

Who manufactures EzriCare artificial tears?

Global Pharma Healthcare manufactures EzriCare Artificial Tears. The company is based in India but has a global presence. In the United States, several distributors and healthcare providers have been named in the EzriCare lawsuits.

Are Ezricare eye drops prescription?

No EzriCare Artificial Tears are non-prescription eye drops and can be sold over the counter. You could, for example, buy the drops on Amazon before the recall. Of course, while the drops are available over the counter, it is still the case that healthcare providers and clinicians can recommend the treatment. As such, some healthcare providers have been named as defendants in EzriCare lawsuits.

Are Ezricare artificial tears eye drops recalled?

Yes. The FDA issued a recall notice for EzriCare Artificial Tears in February 2023. The FDA is very clear that the drops should not be sold, and people should refrain from taking them if they are already in their possession.