Qatar recalls all batches of Isotears-Plus eye drops due to safety issues

Diwali is a festival of light and joy, celebrated with the beauty of decorations, lights, and colorful garlands. However, eye health should not be neglected, as certain mistakes made during this festival can negatively affect vision. Therefore, it is crucial to follow specific rules during Diwali.

Professor Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman of the Group of Hospitals Center, emphasized in an interview with Aajtak.in how important it is to monitor eye health during Diwali. He noted that smoke from fireworks and dust can cause irritation and allergic reactions in the eyes. Furthermore, improper use of cosmetics and contact lenses used during festivals can also harm the eyes, and any negligence regarding eye health can lead to serious consequences.

Dr. Mahipal advises avoiding direct contact with smoke during Diwali, as it can damage the eyes. If smoke gets into the eyes, they should be rinsed with water. There is also a risk of irritation and infection from touching the eyes with unwashed hands or sharing cosmetic products. It is recommended to remove makeup before going to sleep. Contact lens wearers must strictly follow instructions for cleaning and using them. It is also important to refrain from using eye drops without consulting a doctor if eye problems arise.

Signs such as redness, pain, constant tearing, or changes in vision should not be ignored. Often, people try home remedies or postpone seeing a doctor hoping the problem will disappear on its own. Nevertheless, sudden blurring or loss of vision, severe pain, or eye injury can indicate serious problems requiring immediate specialist consultation.

People suffering from diabetes and high blood pressure, as well as those who already have eye diseases, should pay extra attention to regular check-ups. Diabetes can damage retinal nerves, and symptoms may be unnoticed in the early stages. Therefore, it is important to undergo eye examinations as recommended by a doctor and keep other health issues under control.

The Qatari health authority announced the recall of all batches of Clasgen 0.05% eye drops in the country due to detected manufacturing defects.

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) reported that issues related to data integrity and sterile production processes were identified. These eye drops are prescription immunomodulatory agents intended for treating chronic dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) by reducing surface inflammation and promoting the restoration of natural tear production.

To ensure public safety, the health authority has issued multiple warnings and conducted product recalls. Last month, a warning was issued regarding the use of the weight loss product GastroZero Phyto Fiber Drink GastroKonjac, in which two undeclared pharmaceutical ingredients were found.

The ministry's drug quality control laboratory conducted tests and confirmed the presence of sibutramine and sildenafil, which were not listed in the product's composition. The Ministry warned that the presence of these undeclared pharmaceutical components renders the product substandard and may pose a threat to public health, as consumers could be exposed to potentially harmful substances without knowledge.

Such recall cases are not limited to this Gulf country. Last month, the UAE ordered the preventive recall of batch No. 20251015 of three-layer Nin 160 FMB-NML blue face masks due to quality issues. This recall followed a quality complaint and subsequent inspection results that revealed foreign material or contamination in units from the affected batch.

Recently, Dubai recalled certain batches of Babies’ Magic Tea – Baby Sleep Gripe Water due to the presence of undeclared alcohol and lack of a valid marketing authorization. The recall occurred after a circular issued by the Emirates Drug Authority (EDE), which notified clinics and healthcare professionals about the recall of batch number 25122bw of this 'baby health and safety' product. The Dubai Health Authority also disseminated this notification.

Just one day prior, residents of the UAE were advised to report any side effects they might experience after taking medication as part of a nationwide campaign aimed at enhancing medication safety.