Eye Drops Recall: Amazon Pulls Seven Brands Following FDA Warning

In response to a letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Amazon is taking down seven brands of eye drops from its online marketplace following continued eye drops recalls. The FDA classifies these products as “unapproved new drugs” and has expressed public health concerns over their sale and distribution.

“These products are especially concerning from a public health perspective. Ophthalmic drug products, which are intended for administration into the eyes, in general pose a greater risk of harm to users because the route of administration for these products bypasses some of the body’s natural defenses.”

FDA via letter to Andrew Jassy

The warning letter was addressed to Amazon CEO Andrew Jassy, stating that seven eye drop brands, marketed for conditions like pink eye, dry eyes, dust irritation, and cataracts, were being sold on the e-commerce platform without FDA approval. The brands mentioned in the letter include Similasan Pink Eye Relief, The Goodbye Company Pink Eye, Can-C Eye Drops, Optique 1 Eye Drops, OcluMed Eye Drops, TRP Natural Eyes Floaters Relief, and Manzanilla Sophia Chamomile Herbal Eye Drops.

According to CNN, Amazon has already started to remove the products from its online marketplace.

“Safety is a top priority at Amazon. We require all products offered in our store to comply with applicable laws and regulations. The products in question have been investigated and are in the process of being removed.”

Amazon spokesperson via CNN

The FDA warning is part of a broader concern over eye drop safety. In October, the agency warned that 26 over-the-counter eye drop products, including brands sold by CVS, Target, Walmart, and Rite Aid, could potentially cause eye infections resulting in vision loss or blindness. CVS, Rite Aid, and Target removed the products from their websites and store shelves. Cardinal Health, “which had six of its Leader brand eye drops on the FDA’s list,” has already issued a recall for these products as of early November.

In February, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warned against using EzriCare eye drops after discovering a bacterial contamination linked with over 80 infections in 18 states.