Refresh Lacri-Lube, Refresh P.M., FML 0.1 Percent and Blephamide 10 Percent/0.2 Percent by Allergan: Recall - Particulate Matter

AUDIENCE: Consumer, Eye Care, Health Professional, Patient

ISSUE: Allergan announced that it is conducting a voluntary recall down to consumer level of specific lots of its Refresh Lacri-Lube 3.5g and 7g for dry eye, Refresh P.M. 3.5g for dry eye, FML (fluorometholone ophthalmic ointment) 0.1% (sterile ophthalmic ointment topical anti-inflammatory agent for ophthalmic use, 3.5g), and Blephamide (sulfacetamide sodium and prednisolone acetate ophthalmic ointment, USP) 10%/0.2% sterile topical ophthalmic ointment combining an antibacterial and a corticosteroid, 3.5g. For specific lot numbers, see the Firm Press Release.

BACKGROUND: Allergan chose to initiate this recall based on a small number of customer complaints which reported a small black particle at the time of use. This black particle, which is part of the cap, can be created by the action of unscrewing the cap from the aluminum tube, and potentially introduced into the product. Specific lots are being voluntarily recalled in the interest of patient safety. If the particle gets into the eye, potential adverse events may include eye pain, eye swelling, ocular discomfort or eye irritation.

RECOMMENDATION: Allergan is asking consumers who currently have product from any of the affected lots of Refresh Lacri-Lube, Refresh P.M., FML (fluorometholone ophthalmic ointment) 0.1%, Blephamide (sulfacetamide sodium and prednisolone acetate ophthalmic ointment, USP) 10%/0.2%, to stop using the product and return it to Allergan. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to the use of this product.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178

Read the MedWatch Safety Alert, including a link to the press release at: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts/ucm459496.htm