The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced that counterfeit versions of over-the-counter eye drops have been found in Florida and Georgia, in stores serving primarily Spanish-speaking customers. The agency says the products may also be in Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and potentially other states, and it has published packaging photos and details to help shoppers tell counterfeit products from authentic ones.
Testing by DLC Laboratory found bacterial contamination in two counterfeit products: Colirio Ocusan Alivio rapido del enrojecimiento tested positive for Staphylococcus bacteria, and Ocusan Ojos Secos for an unconfirmed type of bacteria. The FDA warns that such contamination can cause serious eye infections that could result in partial vision loss or blindness. The agency says it is not aware of adverse events from the counterfeit products so far, and its investigation is ongoing.
Why it matters
Many South Florida families buy imported or Spanish-labeled eye remedies at small local stores — exactly the channel where these counterfeits were found. Check any eye drops at home against the FDA's photos. If you have used a counterfeit product and develop redness, discharge, pain or discomfort, contact a health care professional or seek care immediately, and report problems through FDA MedWatch at (800) FDA-1088.
