Four eye ointment products sold at Walmart and CVS stores have been recalled because the facility where they were manufactured in India may have been unsanitary.
In a recall announcement posted Monday by the Food and Drug Administration, it was revealed that an FDA inspection had noted a "lack of sterility assurance at the facility."
The affected products include two ointments sold under the Equate brand name -- Lubricant Eye Ointment and Stye Lubricant Eye Ointment -- as well as CVS Health Lubricant Eye Ointment and AACE Pharmaceuticals Lubricant PM Ointment.
The recalled products are intended to relieve eye dryness or discomfort due to itching, burning, stinging or exposure to wind or sun.
"For those patients who use these products, there is a potential risk of eye infections or related harm. These products are intended to be sterile," the FDA said. "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."
No reports of infection or other injuries related to the recalled ointments have been received as of Feb. 16, according to the recall announcement.
The products, which have expiration dates ranging from February 2024 to September 2025, were distributed nationwide to wholesalers, retailers, and via the product distributor, Walmart, CVS and AACE Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Consumers should stop using the recalled products and may return them to the place of purchase for a refund.