The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has issued a warning to Nigerians regarding the recalled EzriCare and Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears eye drops. The recall was initiated in February due to suspected contamination with pseudomonas aeruginosa, a highly resistant bacterium. Since then, the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has reported 68 patients across 16 states with health problems from the bacteria, including eye infections.
The NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, explained that laboratory testing identified the bacteria in opened EzriCare bottles from multiple sources, and unopened bottles are currently being examined to check whether contamination occurred during manufacturing. Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause infections in the blood, lungs, or other parts of the body after surgery, and symptoms include yellow, green, or clear discharge from the eye, discomfort or pain, redness, blurry vision, and increased sensitivity to light.
According to Prof. Adeyeye, the recalled eye drops were not in the NAFDAC database, and she advised importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers to exercise caution and vigilance within the supply chain. She further cautioned that the importation, distribution, sale, and use of the above-mentioned products must be avoided, and all medical products should be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. The products' authenticity and physical condition should also be carefully checked.
The NAFDAC boss urged members of the public in possession of the recalled eye drops to discontinue sale or use and submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office. She also advised those who have used the products or suffered any adverse reaction/event after use to seek immediate medical attention. Healthcare professionals and consumers were advised to report any suspicion or adverse drug reaction caused by substandard and falsified medicines to the nearest NAFDAC office.
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