The FDA just approved new Apple health features — AirPods as hearing aids, Apple Watches detecting sleep apnea. But what’s happening with your health info? I’ve got the details!
Check your medicine cabinet - 3 dead after using these contaminated eye drops
A tiny bottle in your bathroom could kill you. Recalled eyedrops are spreading a drug-resistant bacteria infection to consumers across the country. One minute you’re trying to moisturize your eyes. The next, you can’t see a thing.
At least three people have died, the CDC says
This is one of the most dangerous recalls we’ve written about recently. For the most part, recalls are due to simple errors that are easy to fix. But thanks to a complex chain of events, these recalled eye drops pose serious health hazards.
We’ll dive into the scientific details later if you’re interested. But for now, here are the hard facts you need to know.
First, contaminated eye drops have caused severe injuries in 68 people, including blindness, according to the CDC. Three of those 68 people died of infection. According to the FDA’s official recall notice, here are the products you should throw out immediately.
1. Throw out your Artificial Tears Lubricant Eye Drops from EzriCare
Here’s what the packaging looks like:
It’s advertised as a protectant against eye irritation. You may have bought it to moisturize dry eyes or relieve discomfort from irritations or wind exposure. It’s packaged in a bottle with a safety seal.
If you think you may have one of these products, look over the carton. It will have these numbers: EzriCare NDC 79503-0101-15, UPC 3 79503 10115 7. You can also look at the size and weight of the product: 10 mg in 1 mL, ½ fl oz (15 ml).
If you have this product, follow these steps:
- Contact the distributors, Aru Pharma/EzriCare, LLC, by phone at 1-516-715-5181 or email at arupharmainc@yahoo.com.
- They’re open from Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST.
Update: More shampoos found that contain cancer-causing ingredient
Most of the recalls that we cover here deal with defective vehicles. In fact, we just posted a massive recall list of cars earlier this week. Tap or click here to find out if yours made the list.
But sometimes food or personal products put your health in jeopardy. That leads us to ask, how safe do you think it is to use dry shampoo? Most Americans don’t think twice when using this seemingly-harmless product. That may have just changed.
400,000-plus signatures
On a petition delivered to the Kellogg’s HQ about its Froot Loops cereal. An ex-FDA food expert says those colorful rings are linked to organ damage, cancer, behavioral problems and worse. Need more proof? The Red 40 and Yellow 5 dyes in it are banned in other countries. Def not grape news.
Check your medicine cabinet! How to find recalled drugs
When was the last time you went through your medicine cabinet? Drug recalls are common, but you may miss the news and take a recalled medication anyway.
The same happens with car recalls. We’re driving along, blissfully unaware of a major recall. Here’s how to search for recalls affecting your vehicle.
Have at-home COVID tests? Toss out this brand
There is still a considerable demand for COVID-19 tests, and there are several at-home options. But not all COVID-19 tests are equal. Late last year, millions were recalled as they didn’t seem as reliable as expected.
Apple's AirPod game changer
Apple’s new AirPods Pro 2 just got FDA approval to double as hearing aids. But can they really pull it off? Find out what makes these earbuds more than just a great way to listen to music.
Mental health help: The first FDA-approved app to treat depression is now available. Rejoyn offers a six-week program with brain-training exercises and short skill-based therapy lessons. You’ll need a prescription, which means you must be diagnosed with major depressive disorder, currently on antidepressants and at least 22 years old. More info here.
Paging Dr. Mario: This is something. EndeavorRx is the first FDA-approved prescription video game for ADHD. It challenges kids to multitask and ignore distractions while navigating levels. Some 73% of kids who used it said their attention spans improved. Def worth sharing to (maybe) get the kids off pharmaceuticals.
Employees are suing over going back to work
With the COVID emergency long gone, can employers fire workers who refuse to come back into the office? Plus, Apple Watch gets the FDA green light, why you should power down, and watch for this TSA scam.
200 injuries so far: The FDA has recalled the Tandem Diabetes Care t:connect iOS app. It’s been crashing and relaunching, causing the compatible t:slim X2 insulin pump to shut down prematurely. If you’re affected, update your app to version 2.7.1 or later ASAP.
Palmer Candy Company is recalling its white-coated confectionery items due to a possible salmonella contamination. The FDA says these snacks, including pretzels, popcorn and chocolate, are sold in 17 states at stores like Walmart, Hy-Vee, Target and Dollar General. Got some? Return ‘em where you bought ’em for a full refund.
Apple Watch gets FDA approval
Now, thanks to the Apple Watch, people with atrial fibrillation can actually detect when they’re experiencing an episode.
🥩 Check your fridge: The FDA says a bunch of ground beef might be contaminated with E. coli. Impacted products have a packaging date of “032824” and a use-by or freeze-by date of April 22, 2024. They’re also marked with “EST. 960A” inside the USDA inspection stamp. Toss ’em or return ’em.
Check your fridge! Bits of plastic found in Trader Joe's meal
You can put several things in a salad to add a bit of crunch, like carrots or bacon bits. But you certainly don’t want to bite down on a piece of plastic. A balanced diet is essential, but nobody needs a polymer resin mixed with a blend of additives for lunch.
Scam Alert: Robocalls trick victims with fake COVID-19 tests
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues its spread across the country, the number of infections is increasing. Naturally, that leads to more people wanting to be tested.
Testing is available at a number of health facilities and pharmacy chains, and you can even opt to buy testing kits that can be shipped to your home. Have you purchased an at-home test? Tap or click here for details on millions that have been recalled.
Millions of at-home COVID tests recalled - Did you take one?
The COVID pandemic has been raging for more than a year and a half now. What are your chances of getting COVID? Tap or click here for a map that charts breakthrough cases.
The good news is there have been developments to help, like at-home testing kits, so you can easily find out if you’re infected. But can these tests be trusted? At-home tests don’t seem to be as reliable as expected.