Walgreens is recalling over 500,000 eye-drop products due to concerns about their sterility. This recall is part of a larger initiative that affects nearly 750,000 eye-care products.
The recall was initiated by Sterling Pharmaceutical Services LLC, located in Dupo, Illinois, on August 20, citing a “lack of assurance of sterility,” according to a report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On September 21, the FDA classified the recall as Class II. This means that while using or being exposed to these products could lead to temporary or medically reversible health issues, the chance of serious health consequences is deemed quite low.
Among the recalled products, those bearing the Walgreens brand account for more than 500,000 units—this includes approximately 301,114 bottles of Walgreens Lubricant Eye Drops and 199,600 twin packs.
The broader recall also encompasses products sold under various other brands, such as AvKare, Reliable-1 Laboratories, Cameron Pharmaceuticals, TRP The Relief Products, and Major.
Specifically, the recall affects over 120,000 packages of AvKare Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Ophthalmic Solution 0.5% Lubricant Eye Drops, which include both individual bottles and twin packs.
Additionally, products from Reliable-1 Laboratories, such as the Sodium Chloride Hypertonicity Ophthalmic Solution 5% and Lubricating Tears, are included in this recall.
Other impacted items consist of Cameron Pharmaceuticals’ Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5% Lubricant Eye Drops, TRP The Relief Products Gentle Eyes Lubricant Eye Drops, and Major LubriFresh P.M. Nighttime Ointment.
The FDA highlights that ophthalmic products come with increased risks since eye medications bypass some of the body’s natural defenses. As such, it’s critical for eye drops to be sterile to minimize infection risks.
A Walgreens representative has not yet provided a response to inquiries from FOX Business regarding the matter.
