The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about the risks of “copycat” eye drop products being sold illegally online, which put users at risk of eye infection. The South Moon, Rebright, and FivFivGo eye drops are unapproved drugs packaged similarly to Bausch + Lomb’s Lumify brand eye drops, an over-the-counter product approved for redness relief.
Due to the similar packaging, consumers can mistake these products for FDA-approved eye drops. In addition, advertisements for South Moon, Rebright, and FivFivGo eye drops falsely claim to treat eye conditions such as glaucoma, which is treated with prescription drugs or surgery.
The agency tested samples of South Moon and Rebright eye drops, purchased online. The South Moon eye drops were contaminated with Burkholderia cepacian complex, a group of bacteria that could result in an antibiotic-resistant infection. While Rebright testing was negative for contamination, FDA recommends consumers not use this product. Both products also lacked brimonidine tartrate, the active ingredient in Lumify. The FDA was unable to obtain FivFivGo samples.
The agency has received reports related to possibly fake Lumify, including product quality concerns, eye irritation, pain, and infection. Patients who have signs or symptoms of an eye infection should talk to their health care provider or seek medical care immediately. FDA recommends consumers properly discard these products.
The agency recommends consumers only buy eye products from reputable retailers such as state-licensed pharmacies and beware of online retailers selling products with false claims.
