WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted recall notices for certain eyedrops distributed by Pharmedica USA and Apotex Corp. after the companies said they are voluntarily pulling several lots of their products from the market. Both companies said the recalls were conducted in consultation with the FDA. The announcements follow a recall last month of eye drops made in India that were linked to an outbreak of drug-resistant infections. One person died and at least five others had permanent vision loss.

According to the FDA recall notice, Pharmedica USA LLC is voluntarily recalling two lots of Purely Soothing, 15 percent  MSM Drops to the consumer level. This product is being recalled due to non-sterility. The eye drop is used as an anti-inflammatory aimed to assist with symptoms of ocular irritation and/or swelling and is packaged in white, cylindrical HDPE bottles. To date, Pharmedica USA LLC has not received any reports of adverse events or illness related to this recalled product, according to the FDA notice.

Apotex Corp., with the knowledge of the FDA, is initiating a voluntary recall at the consumer level for six lots of Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.15 percent. This recall is being initiated out of an abundance of caution due to cracks that have developed in some of the unit caps of Brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution bottles. There is a possibility the broken cap may impact sterility and if so, the possibility of adverse events.

Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution is an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.