HIGHFDA DRUG

K.C. Pharmaceuticals Recalls 8 OTC Eye Drops for Sterility Concerns (2026)

K.C. Pharmaceuticals recalled eight OTC eye drops sold nationwide under CVS Health, Walgreens and Kroger brands after sterility could not be verified. The recall covers all lots within expiry through Oct 31, 2026. Nonsterile eye drops can harbor bacteria and fungus, causing serious infections that may lead to vision loss. Stop using recalled products and return them for a full refund at the store.

Official notice
K.C. PharmaceuticalsCVS HealthWalgreensHealth & Personal CareDry Eye ReliefArtificial Tears Sterile LubricantSterile Eye Drops Original Formula

Source-backed recall notice

No product image was available from the source feed.

Official source
FDA DRUG
Recall date
April 1, 2026
Status
ACTIVE
Severity
8/10

Quick Facts at a Glance

Recall Date
April 1, 2026
Hazard Level
HIGH
Brands
K.C. Pharmaceuticals, CVS Health, Walgreens...
Category
Health & Personal Care
Sold At
Multiple Retailers
At-Risk Groups
GENERAL

What to Do Now

Use this page like a recall checklist: verify the product first, then act on the official remedy.

Immediate steps

  1. 1Stop using the product until you confirm whether it is included in the recall.
  2. 2Compare the product label, model number, UPC, color, size, and purchase location against the identifiers below.
  3. 3Follow the official remedy from FDA - Drug Safety; save photos, receipts, labels, and correspondence before contacting the company.
  4. 4If the product could harm a child, older adult, pet, or patient, move it out of reach immediately.

Check these identifiers

Brand
K.C. Pharmaceuticals, CVS Health, Walgreens, Kroger +9 more
Product type
Eye Drops
Model numbers
Dry Eye Relief, Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant, Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula, Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant, Eye Drops Advanced Relief, Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops, Sterile Eye Drops AC, Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears
Sold at
Multiple Retailers

Recall Timeline

Key dates and source checks for this recall record.

  1. Recall announced

    April 1, 2026

  2. Reported by FDA DRUG

    April 1, 2026

  3. RecallRadar source check

    April 18, 2026

  4. Consumer action

    Use the official remedy and keep documentation.

Hazard Information

Nonsterile eye drops can harbor bacteria and fungus. Use of contaminated eye drops can cause severe eye infections that may result in partial vision loss or blindness. The 2023 outbreak of similar contaminated eye drops caused documented cases of vision loss, surgical eye removals, and deaths.

What You Should Do

Stop using the recalled eye drops immediately. Do not purchase or use any of the affected products. Return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. If you experience eye redness, stuck eyelids, unusual discharge, vision changes, swelling, pain, itching, or irritation after using these products, seek medical attention immediately. Report adverse reactions to the FDA MedWatch program.

About This Product

OTC eye drops are used to lubricate, moisten and soothe eyes. They are commonly bought for dry eye relief and redness relief and are sold under many store brands.

Why This Is Dangerous

If sterility tests fail, the product can harbor bacteria or fungi. Contaminated eye drops can cause severe infections that threaten vision.

Industry Context

This recall is not stated as part of a broader industry pattern.

Practical Guidance

How to identify if yours is affected

  1. Review bottle label for product name and expiry date.
  2. Cross-check against the eight model names listed in the recall.
  3. Look for expiry dates April 30, 2026 to October 31, 2026.

Where to find product info

Label includes product name, brand and expiry date. FDA recall page provides full list of affected products.

What timeline to expect

Refunds typically processed within 4-6 weeks after store accepts return.

If the manufacturer is unresponsive

  • Contact the retailer's corporate customer service for a return or refund
  • File a complaint with the FDA if the retailer will not honor the recall
  • Consider state consumer protection channels if needed.

How to prevent similar issues

  • Buy eye drops only from reputable retailers
  • Avoid counterfeit or off-brand products
  • Check recall status before purchase or use in the future
  • Ensure packaging is intact and not past expiry

Documentation advice

Keep packaging, receipts, and any correspondence with retailers. Document symptoms if they occur and time of exposure.

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Product Details

Model numbers: Dry Eye Relief; Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant; Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula; Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant; Eye Drops Advanced Relief; Ultra Lubricating Eye Drops; Sterile Eye Drops AC; Sterile Eye Drops Soothing Tears. Sold nationwide at major retailers including CVS Health, Walgreens, Kroger, Top Care, Best Choice, Good Sense, Rugby, Leader, Good Neighbor Pharmacy, Quality Choice, Valu Merchandisers, and Geri-Care. Expiration dates range from April 30, 2026 to October 31, 2026. Price not disclosed.

Reported Incidents

No injuries or incidents have been reported.

Key Facts

  • Eight OTC eye drops recalled
  • Sterility not verifiable during manufacturing
  • Expiry dates Apr 30–Oct 31, 2026
  • Sold at CVS Health, Walgreens, Kroger and others
  • Return for full refund
  • Seek medical care for symptoms

Safety Guide

Not sure what to do next? Our guide walks you through the process step by step.

Read: What to Do When You Find a Recalled Product

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Safety Assessment

Risk LevelHIGH
Severity Score
8/ 10
Affected Groups
GENERAL
Injury Types
OTHER

Product Details

Model Numbers
Dry Eye Relief
Artificial Tears Sterile Lubricant
Sterile Eye Drops Original Formula
Sterile Eye Drops Redness Lubricant
Eye Drops Advanced Relief
+3 more
Report Date
April 1, 2026
Source Agency
FDA - Drug Safety
Recall Status
ACTIVE

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