Eye drops sold at Walmart, Walgreens recalled because they may not be sterile

Select over-the-counter eye drops and ointments sold at Walgreens and Walmart stores as well as some prescription ointments sold at other retailers have been recalled over concerns the products may not be sterile.

New York-based Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc. issued voluntary recalls for Walgreens and Walmart store brand products and a third recall for Perrigo prescription ointments, according to recall notices posted on the Food and Drug Administration's website.

According to the recall notices, there are 23 affected products under different product name and brands and 150 affected lots that have the "potential for nonsterility."

The recalls are being called a "precautionary measure," and "Altaire has received no reports of adverse events, nor has Altaire obtained any out of specifications results including sterility testing, for the products."

"Administration of a non-sterile product intended to be sterile may result in serious and potentially life-threatening infections or death," the recall notices state.

Walgreens recalled products

Altaire has recalled five different products from Walgreens that were produced for the drugstore chain, with six lots affected, according to the recall notice. Here are the products with their National Drug Code (NDC) listed and lot numbers:

Walmart recalled products

Altaire is recalling 74 lots from Walmart, which include 10 Equate products and one eye drop under the Support Harmony brand, which was discontinued in January 2018, according to the recall notice.

Here are the product names and NDC numbers. For list of affected lots, see the recall notice.             

Perrigo recalled products

Altaire recalled 59 lots of six prescription ointments and 11 lots of the over-the-counter Puralube Ophthalmic Ointment, which were "manufactured and labeled exclusively for Perrigo Company PLC." The products were distributed by Perrigo, the recall notice stated.

Here are the product names and NDC numbers. For list of affected lots, see the recall notice.             

What to do?

Consumers with questions about this recall should contact Altaire Pharmaceuticals Inc., by calling 1-800-258-2471 or emailing otcdruggist@aol.com Monday thru Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

If you've experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using the products, Altaire recommends contacting your doctor.

Follow Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko

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