Niagara Falls, New York, Tainted Artificial Tears

The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s Battle-Tested Lawyers Fight to Obtain the Largest Possible Settlements for Victims Who Have Suffered from Vision Loss Caused by Using Global Pharma Healthcare’s Recalled Artificial Tears in Niagara Falls, New York, Throughout Niagara County, and Beyond.

A multistate outbreak of a rare bacteria known as Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) plagued 16 states. At least 68 victims have suffered severe eye infections caused by the bacteria. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is notorious for causing debilitating eye infections that can lead to vision loss, surgical eye removal, and even death. Federal investigators have linked the bacteria infections to over-the-counter as well as prescription eye drops. Victims infected by the deadly bacteria reported using more than 10 different brands of eye drops, with some patients using multiple brands. However, the primary culprit of most infections was India-based Global Pharma Healthcare’s recalled Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops, which were distributed by Delsam Pharma and EzriCare.

Although investigators are still scrambling to uncover more details surrounding the outbreak, the recall became imperative to contain the spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has strongly cautioned consumers against using both EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Artificial Tears. Eye specialists at the University of California, Davis’s Eye Center believe that Pseudomonas aeruginosa impairs the eye by breaking down the cornea. If you have used either brand, it is important to look out for signs of eye infection, such as yellow or green discharge from your eye, increased sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and eye irritation. Suppose that you, or someone you know, have used EzriCare or Delsam Pharma Artificial Tears and are experiencing symptoms of an eye infection. In that case, the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s concerned team urges you to seek emergency medical care. Fortunately, Niagara Falls, New York, is home to some of the country’s best ophthalmologists and hospitals, such as Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

After obtaining the necessary treatment, please contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s battle-tested personal injury attorneys for your complimentary case consultation and evaluation. Our seasoned team has witnessed the lives of far too many victims get torn apart by reckless pharmaceutical companies. That is why Jed Dietrich, Esq. and his leading attorneys have dedicated their careers to demanding justice for victims just like you. Although nothing can restore your lost vision, pursuing a product liability claim against Global Pharma Healthcare can provide you with peace of mind and help prevent other outbreaks from spreading. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has successfully litigated to obtain over $175 million in judgments and settlements for injured victims in Niagara Falls, New York, throughout New York State, and beyond. The Dietrich Legal Team’s supreme dedication to getting our clients the finest results is one of the many reasons why you should consider retaining us. Our top rated litigators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling (716) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form. There are never any legal fees until we WIN your recalled eye infection case!

While Pseudomonas aeruginosa exists naturally in soil, water, fruits, and vegetables, this particular strain of bacteria is extremely resistant to antibiotics and other treatments. Consequently, it can prove lethal for victims with weakened immune systems and patients suffering from chronic lung diseases. In addition to the 3 fatalities that have been linked to Global Pharma Healthcare’s contaminated eye drops, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that 8 victims lost vision, and 4 victims were forced to undergo emergency enucleations to prevent the infection from spreading throughout their bodies. While it is still unclear exactly how this deadly bacteria got into the artificial tears, suspicions point to the eye drops getting tainted during the manufacturing process.

Global Pharma Healthcare admitted to packaging the artificial tears in multiple-use bottles without the proper preservatives. This alone was a serious violation of the Food and Drug Administration’s Current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations. Furthermore, the manufacturer did not perform microbial testing to adequately check for impurities. As a result, the solutions were unsterile when released to consumers. This recent outbreak marks the first time that carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa with Verona integron-mediated metallo-β-lactamase and Guiana extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (VIM-GES-CRPA) has ever been found in the United States. This rare strain of bacteria has never been traced back to artificial tears in the past.

Eye drops, similar to those in the recalled EzriCare Artificial Tears and Delsam Artificial Tears, are the primary treatment for dry eye disease; as one of the most common eye ailments, dry eye disease is known for causing grittiness, blurred vision, burning, redness, and tearing. Artificial tears can help alleviate many of these irritating symptoms. Preservative-free eye drops can be used more frequently throughout the day because they tend to be gentle on the eyes. However, if you use preservative-free drops, make sure that they come in single-use vials and do not keep them for over a day or let the tip of the vial touch your eyes. Other crucial safety measures to prevent eye infections include always washing your hands before touching the artificial tears or your eyes. You should never use eye-care products after the expiration date because they may be unstable or unsterile. Lastly, always pay special attention to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recall announcements to ensure that you are using safe products.

Anyone who may have used the recalled eye drops and is experiencing symptoms of infection should seek emergency medical treatment. Most importantly, stop using anything that could potentially be causing your infection, especially artificial tears, other solutions, and contact lenses. These types of bacterial infections are often overlooked or misdiagnosed without clinical care. When left untreated, the bacteria in the contaminated artificial tears could lead to severe illness and other life-threatening complications. In a recent year alone, multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa resulted in approximately 32,600 hospitalizations and roughly 2,700 deaths. Considered to pose a serious threat, the bacteria can cause numerous types of healthcare-related contagions, such as bloodstream infections, pneumonia, surgical site infections, and urinary tract infections. Unfortunately, even when effectively treated, Pseudomonas aeruginosa can leave victims in need of corneal transplants and other eye operations to correct limited vision and scarring.

While the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s caring team hopes that you will stay infection-free, some bacteria-related infections are inescapable. If you were unfortunate enough to fall victim to Global Pharma Healthcare’s unsterile and dangerous manufacturing practices, we strongly encourage you to contact our highly experienced lawyers. Jed Dietrich, Esq. has a long track record for winning multi-million-dollar lawsuits against some of the nation’s biggest companies. Our best of the best litigators have the expertise and resources necessary to get you the highest compensation for your injuries. The Dietrich Legal Team’s highly qualified litigators would be honored to discuss your potential eye infection claim further. Our veteran attorneys are available 24/7 at (716) 839-3939 or by completing the online consultation form.

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at (716) 839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious, and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Niagara Falls, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!