US Concerned Over Drug-Resistant Bacteria Linked To Indian Eye Drops

The top medical watchdog in the US has prompted concerns over the possibility of an Indian company’s eyedrops being linked to a highly drug-resistant bacteria that could spread throughout the country. According to experts, the strain has never been found in the US before. Hence, it was particularly challenging to treat it with currently available antibiotics.

Citing the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York Times reported that eyedrops manufactured by Chennai-based Global Pharma Healthcare under the EzriCare Artificial Tears trade have been linked to three fatalities, eight instances of blindness, and numerous infections.

In order to prevent the spread of “Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued an advisory against using EzriCare Artificial Tears, a product made by Global Pharma Healthcare.

The CDC website states that the epidemic of this specific strain has been linked to a number of infections, including eye infections and has been detected in 37 patients. In February, Global Pharma Healthcare, situated about 40 kilometres south of Chennai, ceased producing the eyedrops intended for the US market. Additionally, it has willingly recalled all unexpired lots of EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Pharma’s Artificial Tears from consumers.

Reason Behind the Investigation

 

The India-made brand of eyedrops was the most recent pharmaceutical product from the nation to be investigated. This was followed by dozens of child deaths in the Gambia and Uzbekistan connected to cough syrups last year. As per the US Food and Drug Administration, using contaminated artificial tears rises the risk of eye infections that can lead to blindness or death.

Precaution is Better Than Cure

 

In the last update on its website, the CDC said that the patients that have used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma’s artificial tears and have signs of or symptoms must get medical care immediately.

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