FDA warns consumers against 26 store-brand eye drop products due to risk of infections

The 26 products can be found at CVS Health, Leader, Rugby, Rite Aid, Target and Velocity Pharma.

Bob Doda

Oct 30, 2023, 4:36 PM

Updated 368 days ago

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Certain over-the counter eyedrops have the “potential risk of eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness” according to the FDA, which urged customers not to purchase them and stop using them immediately.
“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,” the Oct. 27 release says.
The 26 products can be found at CVS Health, Leader, Rugby, Rite Aid, Target and Velocity Pharma. They are as follows:
Retailer/ LabelProductProduct Information
CVS HealthLubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (single pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 ml (twin pack)Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 mlPolyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Lubricating Gel drops 10 mlPolyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (single pack)Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Mild Moderate Lubricating Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack) Polyethylene Glycol 400 Eye Drop '0.25% w/v
Rugby (Cardinal Health)Lubricating Tears Eye Drops 15 ml    Hypromellose 2910-0.3% w/v & Dextran 70- 0.1% Eye Drops
Polyvinyl Alcohol 1.4% Lubricating Eye Drops 15 mlPolyvinyl Alcohol Eye Drops 1.4% w/v
Leader (Cardinal Health)Dry Eye Relief 10 mlPolyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (single pack)Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Dry Eye Relief 15 mlCarboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Eye Irritation Relief 15 mlPolyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
Rite AidLubricant Eye Drops 15 ml (twin pack)Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Lubricant Eye Drops 10 ml (twin pack)Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
Gentle Lubricant Gel Eye Drops 15 mlHypromellose 0.3%, Glycerin 0.2%, Dextran 70 0.1% Eye Drops
Lubricant Gel Drops 15 mlCarboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 1% w/v
Lubricating Gel Drops 10 mlPolyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Multi-Action Relief Drops 15 mlPolyvinyl Alcohol 0.5% w/v & Povidone 0.6% w/v & Tetrahydrozoline Hydrochloride 0.05% Eye Drops
TargetUp&Up Dry Eye Relief Lubricant Eye Drops 30 mlPolyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 15 ml (single pack)Polyethylene Glycol 400 0.4% & Propylene Glycol 0.3% Eye Drops
Up&Up Extreme Relief Dry Eye 30 ml (twin pack) Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Drops 0.5% w/v
Velocity Pharma LLCLubricant Eye Drop 10 ml (triple pack)Propylene Glycol Eye Drops 0.6% w/v
The FDA says 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 but should not be purchased.
The agency has not received any adverse event reports of eye infection associated with these products at this time.