Carbomer containing lubricating eye products, updated advice

In December 2023 the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) investigated an outbreak of Burkholderia cenocepacia involving individuals across the UK. This was an emerging issue and, followed testing, B. cenocepacia which was recovered from some lubricating carbomer eye products.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) are satisfied that carbomer-containing lubricating eye products available on the UK market are safe to use. There is no longer an indication to avoid use of these products (aside from those that have been previously recalled).

Therefore, the recommendation previously communicated 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’ is no longer required and has been stepped down.

The other recommendations within the National Patient Safety Alert remain.