UAE ministry warns public of unsafe eye device, hypertension drug

Abu Dhabi - Residents told to report on health ministry's online any adverse reaction to medicines.

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) has recently issued a circular warning the public of two unregistered, dangerous products - one is a medical device used to improve eyesight and the other is a batch of medicines for hypertension.
Part of the ministry's circular was based on a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory that cautions everyone against the use of 'Raindrop Near Vision Inlay' or , a medical device that is surgically implanted in the eyes to improve eyesight, an alternative to glasses and contact lenses, said Dr Ruqaya Al Bastaki, head of the drug Department at Mohap.
Produced by Optics Medical Company, the device is more commonly known as RVO 2.0.
"The FDA warning says people who undergo this procedure are at risk of developing cornea hypertrophy, which can affect clear eyesight and cause blurred vision," Dr Al Bastaki said.
"Accordingly, we recommend that all healthcare professionals avoid performing the procedure. We also advise on contacting the manufacturer to return unused products and monitor the patients who have been implanted with the device and provide them with the necessary treatments," she added.
The other half of the ministry's memo referred to a warning issued by the Gulf Health Council, which called for the withdrawal of LOBET 100mg; 20ml Ampoule, a medicine used for the management of high blood pressure, the official said.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority had earlier pointed out impurities in the drug produced by Samarath Life Sciences, thus raising quality concerns.
In case of any side effects resulting from the use of any product or medical device, the public is encouraged to contact the ministry via phone (2301448 -04) or e-mail (pv@moh.gov.ae).

• Abu Dhabi