The Wall Street Journal reported on April 27th that – “Bausch & Lomb, Inc. said Hong Kong health authorities notified it of eye infections in users of the company’s contact-lens solution in November 2005, several months before the company stopped selling the product there.”
The Journal reported that “The November time frame is the earliest the company has acknowledged being aware of an infection, Fusarium keratitis, among users of its contact-lens solution. Outbreaks of the infection have led to a sales halt of one of its products, ReNu with MoistureLoc, in at least three countries, including the U.S.”
The fact that Bausch & Lomb knew of the problem, yet continued to sell the product for almost six months in the US is yet another example of corporate greed placing profits ahead of safety. Just like Merck with Vioxx, B&L; chose to ignore concerns that its product actually harmed patients rather than taking quick action to protect the health of people who use its products.
The Bush Administration is always complaining about plaintiff lawyers and their “supposed frivolous lawsuits”. It looks to me like the plaintiff lawyers are the only ones trying to protect the public. The FDA surely isn’t doing a good job. The Bush Administration would just as soon turn back the clock to the turn of the century – as in 1900 – when corporations ruled and it was tough luck for workers and consumers if they happened to get hurt along the way.
Somebody needs to stand up for the little guy. If you have a potential product liability claim against Bausch & Lomb – or any other large corporation – you need to contact a pharmaceutical injury lawyer who can help you. In Baltimore and Philadelphia, The Law Offices of Peter G. Angelos are investigating claims that Renu with MoistureLoc has caused Fusarium keratitis.
