US FDA warns consumers over copycats of Bausch + Lomb eye drops

[February 01, 2024]  (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday warned consumers not to use unapproved eye drops that closely resemble Bausch + Lomb's Lumify product for redness relief.

The copycat products, called South Moon, Rebright and FivFivGo, could be easily mistaken for Lumify, the FDA said.

"We're working closely with the FDA and our authorized retail partners to help protect individuals from copycat products," Bausch + Lomb said.

Testing of South Moon showed it was contaminated by bacteria that could result in antibiotic-resistant infection.

Although Rebright tested negative for contamination, the FDA said it does not recommend consumers use the product. The agency was unable to obtain samples of FivFivGo.

The FDA said it was not notified of any adverse events from the specific products, but has received reports related to possibly fake Lumify, including product quality concerns, eye irritation, pain and infection.

Signage is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

Lumify is an over-the-counter eye drop used to relieve redness in the eye due to minor irritation.

The agency says it is unable to verify the origin of the copycat products, and is continuing its investigation. South Moon is labeled as manufactured by Shantou Cross-border Premium Products E-Commerce Co Ltd, in China.

Reuters could not immediately contact Shantou Cross-border Premium Products E-Commerce.

(Reporting by Unnamalai L and Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri)

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