UKHSA information for CF community – carbomer eye gels

3 April 2024

The UKHSA, MHRA and the Incident Management Team are satisfied that carbomer-containing lubricating eye products available on the UK market are safe to use. Therefore, the action to ‘avoid the use of all carbomer-containing eye products in individuals with cystic fibrosis, patients being cared for in critical care settings, the severely immunocompromised and patients awaiting lung transplantation’ has been removed. All patients can now use carbomer-containing lubricating eye products, with the exception of the recalled products.

The other recommendations within the Device Safety Information (DSI) remain.

You can read the full report here.

24 November 2023

Further to the previous update of carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels, a manufacturer has done a recall of some products. You can find out more here. Please do not use these products.

Investigations into whether any other products are affected continue. So, as a precautionary measure, and until further information is available, the UKHSA recommends that individuals with cystic fibrosis avoid using carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels where possible. If you have CF and are currently using eye lubricating gel and are unsure if this is carbomer-containing or have any questions concerning this, please speak to your CF clinical team. UKHSA and partners are working to confirm the source of the infections and will provide more information on their investigations as soon as possible.

 

23 November 2023

CF teams are contacting their patients following information issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), who are investigating a small number of cases of the bacterial infection Burkholderia cenocepacia in the UK. Preliminary investigations suggest these cases may be linked to carbomer containing lubricating eye gels used to soothe dry eyes, though this link has not yet been proven.

So far, only a small number of people have been affected across the UK and the risk to most members of the public is considered to be very low. Even if a product is contaminated, only a small proportion of people using it would go on to develop infection. CF teams are writing to their patients because people with CF are more likely to become seriously unwell with this infection. 

As a precautionary measure, and until further information is available, the UKHSA recommends that individuals with CF avoid using carbomer containing lubricating eye gels where possible. If you have CF and are currently using eye lubricating gel and are unsure if this is carbomer containing or have any questions concerning this, please speak to your CF clinical team. UKHSA and partners are working to confirm the source of the infections and will provide more information on their investigations as soon as possible.

The UKHSA has put together the following FAQs.

  • What has happened?

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has identified a small number of cases of Burkholderia cenocepacia (B. cenocepacia) in the UK. The majority of these people did not have CF. Preliminary findings from the UKHSA investigation suggest a potential link to carbomer containing lubricating eye gels, and a number of branded products have been recalled whilst investigations continue. While UKHSA works with partners to investigate further, as a precautionary measure they are advising people with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) to stop using these products. This is because people with CF are susceptible to B. cenocepacia infection.

  • What is B. cenocepacia?

    B. cenocepacia is a bacteria that is found naturally in the environment but the risk of acquiring this from the general environment is low. Rarely it can cause infection in people with CF.

  • How does it affect people with CF? What are the symptoms of infection?

    B. cenocepacia can occasionally cause infections of the respiratory tract in those with CF. People with CF more likely to get seriously unwell if they have an infection, although serious illness hasn’t been observed among CF patients in relation to this situation to date.

  • What brand/type of eye drops are affected?

    Specific batches of carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels have been recalled – the latest details can be found here.

    As a precautionary measure, and until further information is available, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is additionally recommending that all carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels are avoided where possible in individuals with cystic fibrosis.

  • What should I do?

    As a precautionary measure, UKHSA advise that people with CF avoid using carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels while the investigation continues. If you are currently using eye lubricating gel and are unsure if this is carbomer containing or have any questions concerning this, please speak to your CF clinical team.

  • How should I manage any impacts of stopping using eye drops?

    If you have dry eyes or soreness and need an alternative, there are multiple other non-carbomer-containing lubricating eye gels available, although UKHSA is unable to recommend a specific alternative. Please liaise with your treating CF clinician/Treatment Centre for further advice.

  • Can I meet people who are using eye drops – is there a risk of cross-infection?

    This communication is precautionary, there is no need to change your normal interactions with people. We are advising all people with cystic fibrosis to stop using carbomer containing eye lubricating gels whilst the investigation is ongoing. 

  • Who should I talk to if I have questions or concerns?

    Please speak to your CF clinical team.

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