Below you’ll find an regularly updated list of drug shortages that the College and UKOPG are aware of. This is because after this time they could be contaminated with dirt or germs that could cause eye infections.

Zee Krstic is a health editor for Good Housekeeping, where he covers health and nutrition news, decodes diet and fitness trends and reviews the best products in the wellness aisle. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.Frequency of use: People who use gel eye drops frequently may prefer those without preservatives to reduce eye irritation. Storing eye drops in areas that are too hot or cold may reduce the shelf life or effectiveness of the product. Make sure the tip of the bottle or dropper does not touch anything, including your eye, eyelashes, eyelid or your skin.

Medicines suitable to be prescribed in primary care / general practice after specialist* recommendation or initiation. If a person’s symptoms do not improve or become worse after using an OTC product, they should stop using it and contact a healthcare professional. Eye drops should only be used within the expiry date on the bottle, and within the expiry once opened. It produces a transparent, lubricating and moistening film on the surface of the eye and is used as artificial tears.These are a real help when i'm in the office, my eyes are always drying out so it's great to be able to put in a couple of drops and feel like my eyes are refreshed. Berne’s MSM Drops 5% Solution and LightEyez MSM Eye Drops-Eye Repair — due to bacterial and/or fungal contamination. This product also uses the company’s HydroCell technology, which Refresh claims rehydrates dry cells on the eye. The usual dose for adults and children is 1 drop into the affected eye(s), 4 times a day, or as needed.

Shortages can occur for various reasons including shortages of raw materials/plant failure/imbalance between supply and demand. If your symptoms do not get better after trying 1 or 2 different brands of eye drops, speak to your pharmacist or doctor for advice. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. More often than not, this particular strain of bacteria is resistant to antibiotic treatments and can especially prove deadly for those with weakened immune systems and those who are receiving care in hospital and clinic settings. Netdoctor participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Anyone experiencing symptoms and who have used either of the two branded eye drops recently should seek immediate emergency medical care. Grey / Non-Formulary (undergoing assessment): Work is ongoing and will be reviewed at a future APC meeting.

If your vision is affected it is recommended that you do not drive or use any machinery until your vision has cleared. Update (8/25/23): The FDA is urging consumers to immediately stop using two brands of eye drops sold online — Dr. Carmellose clings to the surface of the eye and is therefore not washed out of the eye as quickly as some other lubricating eye drops. It's currently unclear how this bacteria ended up in eye drops, but it's more likely that artificial tears are being contaminated during the manufacturing process — and aren't sterile when solutions are packaged and released to the public.Some medicines, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and medicines that make you pee more (diuretics), can make your eyes dry. If you forget to use your eye drops, use them when you need them next or when it’s time for your next dose.