(NEXSTAR) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is asking people to stop using artificial tears, which may be behind dozens of infections in the U.S.
The CDC notes that laboratory and epidemiological evidence has linked the use of Ezricare artificial tears to multi-state cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients, but the investigation is ongoing and a link has not yet been established.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria live in the environment Very resistant to antibiotics And it can cause infection in the blood, lungs (pneumonia) and other parts of the body. These situations often happen After surgery.
The CDC is investigating at least 50 cases in 11 states, which have led to hospitalization, permanent vision loss and even one death. The cases are located in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Washington.
While working to determine the cause of the illnesses, CDC investigators found that the most popular brand of artificial tears used was Ezricare. Investigators have identified drug-resistant bacteria in open dropper bottles, the CDC said. Continued testing of sealed bottles.
According to January 20, 2007, “CDC recommends that physicians and patients immediately stop using Ezricare artificial tears.” News release.
Ezricare said in a statement Wednesday that it was not aware of any research linking the eye drops to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but that it had stopped selling the product.
“We have been contacting our customers as much as possible to advise them not to continue production,” the company said. In the description on the website. “We have also immediately contacted both the CDC and the FDA and indicated that we are willing to cooperate with any questions they may have.”
In the year A 2019 report found that 2,700 people in the US died from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and another 32,600 people were hospitalized.