Eye Products Sold At Walmart, CVS Recalled Over Infection Risk

ACROSS AMERICA — An eye ointment product sold at Walmart and CVS stores nationwide has been recalled over lacking "sterility" assurances that could lead to eye infections.

Brassica Pharma Pvt. Ltd. voluntarily recalled four eye lubricant products — three of which were sold under brand names Equate and CVS Health — last week, the company said in an announcement posted Monday on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's website.

"The products are being recalled due to lack of sterility assurance at the facility noted during an inspection conducted by the Food and Drug Administration," the company said.

People who use the eye lubricants could be at risk for eye infections or related harm, the company said. No injuries were reported as of Feb. 16, the company said.

"These products are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products pose a potential heightened risk of harm to users because drugs applied to the eyes bypass some of the body’s natural defenses," the company said.

Below is the list of products listed in the recall. They were sold at wholesalers, retailers and via the product distributor, Walmart, CVS and AACE Pharmaceuticals.

Anyone who bought the eye lubricants should stop using them and return to the place of purchase.

Equate

• Equate Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 42.5%, White Petrolatum 57.3%, Lanolin Alcohols)
  • Package Description: 3.5 gram tube, packaged in cardboard box with UPC Code 681131395298
  • NDC numbers: 79903-026-35
  • Lot numbers: A2E01, A2L05, A3B01, A3C01, A3H05
  • Exp. dates: Apr-24, Nov-24, Jan-25, Feb-25, Jul-25
• Equate Stye Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 31.9%, White Petrolatum 57.7%, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearic Acid, Wheat Germ Oil)
  • Package Description: 3.5 gram tube, packaged in cardboard box with UPC Code 681131395304
  • NDC numbers: 79903-028-35
  • Lot numbers: A2D08, A2F02, A2I03, A2L03, A2L04, A3C03, A3C05, A3H01, A3H03
  • Exp. dates: Mar-24, May-24, Aug-24, Nov-24, Nov-24, Feb-25, Feb-25, Jul-25, Jul-25

CVS Health

• CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment (Mineral Oil 31.9%, White Petrolatum 57.7%, Microcrystalline Wax, Stearic Acid Wheat Germ Oil
  • Package Description: 3.5 gram tube, packaged in cardboard box with UPC Code 050428634141
  • NDC numbers: 76168-707-35
  • Lot numbers: A2F03, A2I02, A2L02, A3C04, A3H04
  • Exp. dates: May-24, Aug-24, Nov-24, Feb-25, Jul-25

AACE Pharmaceuticals

• Lubricant PM Ointment
  • Package Description: 3.5 gram tube, packaged in cardboard box with UPC Code 371406124356
  • NDC numbers: 71406-124-35
  • Lot numbers: A2G01, A2G02, A3F08, A3F09, A3J17, A3J18
  • Exp. dates: Jun-24, Jun-24, May-25, May-25, Sep-25, Sep-25