Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium Eye Solution (Altaire) – Mold Contamination (2013)
Class I: A situation in which there is a reasonable probability that the use of, or exposure to, a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death
Class I recall indicates potential for serious health consequences.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Product
Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution, 1 FL OZ (30 mL) bottle, sold under the following labels: (a) CVS pharmacy brand LUBRICANT EYE DROPS FOR MILD TO MODERATE DRY EYE, Distributed by CVS Pharmacy, Inc., Woonsocket, RI 02895, UPC 0 50428 053357 7 and UPC 0 50428 27364 7; (b) equate brand Lubricant Eye Drops, Distributed by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., Bentonville, AR 72716, UPC 6 81131 03420 3; and (c) up & up brand lubricant eye drops, Dist. by Target Corporation, Minneapolis, MN 554
Brand
Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Lot #: 11440, Exp 09/13, labeled for CVS, 11441, Exp 09/13, labeled for CVS, 12042, Exp 01/14, labeled for CVS and Wal-Mart, 12103, Exp 02/15, labeled for Wal-Mart, 12203, Exp 05/15, labeled for CVS and Wal-Mart, 12207, Exp 05/15, labeled for Wal-Mart, 12293, Exp 08/15, labeled for Wal-Mart, 12352, Exp 09/15, labeled for CVS and Target, and 12356, Exp 09/15, labeled for CVS and Target.
Products Sold
Lot #: 11440, Exp 09/13, labeled for CVS; 11441, Exp 09/13, labeled for CVS; 12042, Exp 01/14, labeled for CVS and Wal-Mart ; 12103, Exp 02/15, labeled for Wal-Mart; 12203, Exp 05/15, labeled for CVS and Wal-Mart; 12207, Exp 05/15, labeled for Wal-Mart; 12293, Exp 08/15, labeled for Wal-Mart; 12352, Exp 09/15, labeled for CVS and Target; and 12356, Exp 09/15, labeled for CVS and Target.
Altaire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is recalling Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution, 1 FL OZ (30 mL) bottle, sold under the follo due to Non-Sterility: Customer complaints of mold in the product after use and handling due to the fact that the preservative used in the lots of Carboxymeth. This is a Class I recall, indicating a high risk of serious health consequences. Based on FDA drug enforcement report.
Summary derived from FDA notice
Reason for Recall
As stated by FDA
Non-Sterility: Customer complaints of mold in the product after use and handling due to the fact that the preservative used in the lots of Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium 0.5% Ophthalmic Solution may not be effective through expiry.
Recommended Action
Per FDA guidance
Consumers should stop using the product and contact the recalling firm, their healthcare provider, or return it to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly.
View official FDA recall noticePage updated: Jan 10, 2026