The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning against the use of 26 over-the-counter eye drop products.

The regulator asked consumers not to buy and to immediately stop using the products due to the risk of infections that could lead to partial vision loss or even blindness.

Patients who have used the products should consult their healthcare provider or seek medical advice. 

The medicines are offered under the brand names CVS Health, Leader (Cardinal Health), Rite Aid, Rugby (Cardinal Health), Target Up&Up and Velocity Pharma.

On 25 October 2023, the FDA recommended manufacturers to recall all the lots after regulatory investigators detected unsanitary conditions at manufacturing sites. 

The investigators found positive results from bacterial tests conducted on samples taken at critical drug manufacturing areas. 

The regulator asked consumers to carry out product disposals properly.

In a press statement, the FDA noted: “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 they should not be purchased.”

The FDA has not yet received reports of adverse events linked to the products' usage.