ReNu with MoistureLoc - News

March 6, 2007: Limited Recall of MultiPlus Lens Solution
Bausch & Lomb announced a limited voluntary recall of 12 lots of ReNu MultiPlus contact lens solution, because high traces of iron may cause discoloration of the solution and reduced effectiveness of the product. No health problems have been associated with these recalled bottles, and Bausch & Lomb believes that most of the affected bottles have already been used by consumers. Read a Press Release from Bausch & Lomb. (Note: This limited recall of MultiPlus solution is unrelated to health problems that have been linked to Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution.)

October 31, 2006: FDA Says Bausch & Lomb Failed to Report Eye Infections
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent a "warning letter" accusing Bausch & Lomb (manufacturer of ReNu with MoistureLoc) of failing to alert proper U.S. agencies after the company was notified of 35 cases of fungal eye infections that had been reported to Singapore's Minister of Health. The fungal eye infection (called "fusarium keratitis") was eventually linked to ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution, and the product was recalled worldwide in May 2006. Read the FDA Warning Letter.

May 15, 2006: Global Recall of ReNu with MoistureLoc Contact Lens Solution
ReNu with MoistureLoc manufacturer Bausch & Lomb and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a permanent worldwide recall of the contact lens solution, based on the increased risk of Fusarium fungal eye infection associated with the product's use. According to Bausch & Lomb Chairman and CEO Ron Zarrella, "there may be some aspect of the MoistureLoc formula that might increase the risk of Fusarium infection in rare circumstances." Read the Bausch & Lomb Press Release and the FDA Statement.

May 9, 2006: CDC Issues Update on Fusarium Keratitis
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an update on its continuing investigation into the multi-state outbreak of Fusarium keratitis that may be associated with contact lens use. As of May 9, 2006, CDC has received reports of 106 confirmed cases, 12 possible cases and 80 cases still under investigation from 32 U.S. states and territories. Of patients for whom complete data is available, about two-thirds reported using Bausch & Lomb's ReNu with MoistureLoc contact lens solution. Read the CDC Update.

April 21, 2006: FDA Issues Notification on Eye Infections and Contact Lens Use
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an updated Public Health Notification on the recent rise in reports of serious fungal eye infections in contact lens users. In some instances, the infections are serious enough to cause vision loss. The FDA further recommended that healthcare providers advise patients to stop using Bausch & Lomb's "ReNu with MoistureLoc" contact lens solution products immediately.

April 17, 2006: Lawsuits Filed Against Bausch & Lomb in N.Y. and Miami
A class action complaint was filed against Bausch & Lomb, manufacturer of "ReNu with MostureLoc" contact lens solution, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The suit was filed on behalf of all users of the contact lens solution, and is intended to provide a legal remedy for anyone who may have experienced a fungal eye infection (known as "fusarium keratitis") as a result of "ReNu with MoistureLoc" lens solution use. In Miami, a federal lawsuit filed against Bausch & Lomb seeks class action status (and $75,000) for seven plaintiffs, and a number of former users of "ReNu with MoistureLoc" may soon join the litigation.

April 13, 2006: Bausch & Lomb Asks Stores to Remove "ReNu with MoistureLoc" from Shelves
Bausch & Lomb, manufacturer of "ReNu with MoistureLoc" contact lens solution, requested that U.S. stores remove U.S.-manufactured versions of that brand of lens solution from their shelves temporarily, while reports of fungal eye infections among contact lens users are properly investigated. The company also initiated placement of ads in national and regional newspapers, suggesting alternatives for current users of the product. Read the full Press Release from Bausch & Lomb. (Note: This "voluntary market withdrawal" action taken by Bausch & Lomb does not amount to a recall of "ReNu with MoistureLoc" in the marketplace.)

April 12, 2006: Walgreen Co. Pulls All ReNu Products
In response to ongoing questions about the possible connection between the use of "ReNu with MoistureLoc" contact lens solution and the development of serious fungal eye infections, Walgreen Co. (the nation's top drugstore chain) instructed its stores to remove all ReNu products from their shelves.

April 10, 2006: FDA and CDC Report Investigation of Eye Infections Related to Contact Lens Use
The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) alerted healthcare professionals and wearers of soft contact lenses to an increasing number of reports of rare fungal infections in the eye, which can cause permanent loss of sight in some cases. Some patients have reported a significant loss of vision, resulting in the need for a corneal transplant. As of April 9, 2006, CDC had received a total of 109 reports of the suspected fungal infection (called "fusarium keratitis") in patients across 17 states. Read the FDA Announcement and the CDC Dispatch.