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Home : Unsafe Drugs : ReNu : Law Articles : Bausch & Lomb Recalls Renu Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution Bausch & Lomb Recalls Renu Multi-Purpose Contact Lens SolutionIn a staggering recall, eye care giant Bausch & Lomb has recalled its popular Renu Multi-Purpose Contact Lens Solution from store shelves after an international outbreak of fungal keratitis was linked to the substance. The recall follows Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) investigations on a spate of keratitis cases in patients who used the contact lens solution. In 30 United States cases, 26 patients had used Renu solution. The recall represents a huge setback for Bausch & Lomb, which used to have a spotless reputation for its best-selling lines of eye care products, including a large line of contact lens solutions and products for medical and surgical indications. The formal recall was precipitated by the product's disappearance from major chain shelves after safety concerns were announced. After the company recalled Renu from store shelves on May 15, 2006, company stock fell by more than five percent and it is expected that the costs of the MoistureLoc solution could be near $100 million for the company. Fusarium A Culprit In Fungal Eye InfectionsFungal keratitis in the eye is caused by Fusarium, a fungus which causes eye infection in contact lens patients. It is believed that the Bausch & Lomb solution was contaminated in its production facility. The Fusarium fungus is known to cause health problems in humans, such as esophageal cancer, nail infections, and ocular infections in addition to skin lesions, ulcers, and even necrosis (cell death). Fusarium is commonly found in soil and plants. In addition, the MoistureLoc solution contained three polymers (traditional contact lens solutions only contain one), which could hold the Fusarium fungus in the eye longer and contribute to eye infection. The keratitis eye infection can harm the cornea, causing vision damage and even permanent blindness. Common symptoms of fungal keratitis include:
When left untreated, fungal keratitis can lead to corneal ulcers and blindness. In fact, eight U.S. patients who used Renu MoistureLoc solution have required corneal transplants, in which damaged corneas are replaced by healthy tissue. What You Can DoBausch & Lomb has announced plans to refund money its customers spent on the side-effect-causing Renu MoistureLoc solution and allows customers to choose between a monetary refund or a money-saving coupon on other Bausch & Lomb products. But no amount of money can replace a person's precious sense of sight. If you or a loved one have experienced damaging side effects due to use of Renu contact lens solution, stop using the product immediately and consult an ocular specialist. Then contact an experienced unsafe drugs attorney. Your Renu lawyer can help you evaluate your potential lawsuit, file a claim against Bausch & Lomb, and gain monetary compensation and damages for your loss of vision, lost wages, future medical care, and current medical bills. |




