Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has voluntarily recalled a total of nine lots of carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5 per cent ophthalmic solution, 30 mL, to the consumer level. There have been no reports of adverse effects to consumers so far.

However, due to complaints of mold found in the 30 mL bottles after use, concerns regarding the effectiveness of the preservative after use and handling of the product by consumers have prompted the recall.

A product whose preservative is not effective could lead to use of a contaminated product which could be calamitous for any population since there is a reasonable probability of a potentially sight threatening eye infection. It has been confirmed by Altaire that all lots of product were sterile at the time of release, and that the preservative was effective when challenged against the USP Preservative Effectiveness Test. It has also been confirmed by Altaire that its production facility is not the source of any reported contaminants.

The product is known generically as carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5 per cent ophthalmic solution and labeled as follows: Equate restore tears lubricant eye drops carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5 per cent, sterile, 1 FL OZ (30 mL) - distributed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Lubricant eye drops for mild to moderate dry eye, sterile, 1 FL OZ (30 mL), for mild to moderate dry eye - distributed by CVS Pharmacy, Inc. and lubricant eye drops for mild to moderate dry eye, sterile, 1 FL OZ (30 mL) -  distributed by Target Corp.

Only the lots listed below are affected, and the recall is limited to the product in the 30 mL size:

Lot 11440, expiration date 09/2013, labeled for CVS; Lot 11441, expiration date 09/2013, labeled for CVS; Lot 12042, expiration date 01/2014, labeled for Wal-Mart and CVS; Lot 12103, expiration date 02/2015, labeled for Wal-Mart; Lot 12203, expiration date 05/2015, labeled for Wal-Mart and CVS; Lot 12207, expiration date 05/2015, labeled for Wal-Mart; Lot 12293, expiration date 08/2015, labeled for Wal-Mart; Lot 12352, expiration date 09/2015, labeled for Target and CVS; Lot 12356, expiration date 09/2015, labeled for Target and CVS.

These lots were distributed between February 2012 and April 2013. The product was sold nationwide at retail stores.

Carboxymethylcellulose sodium 0.5 per cent ophthalmic solution is a non-prescription (OTC) drug product used to relieve dryness of the eye and packaged in a plastic bottle inside a unit box. Lot numbers can be found printed horizontally on the side of the label and on the bottom flap of the box.

Altaire has started this recall as a precautionary measure. The company takes its mission of consumer care and providing quality products very seriously and reformulated the product with an enhanced preservative system. All lots of the product in the 30 mL size identified with lot numbers beginning with 13 (i.e. 13000) have been made with the enhanced preservative system.

Altaire Pharmaceuticals is notifying its customers of the recall by phone and letters for further notification to their retail stores. Consumers who have the product with any of the lot numbers listed above should stop use of the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the US Food and Drug Administration.