MHRA Alert – Epimax Ointment: Risk of Eye Injury if Used on Face

Safety Alert: Epimax Ointment Products

The MHRA has issued a safety alert regarding Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment due to reports of ocular surface toxicity and ocular chemical injury.

Key Points

• Both Epimax Ointment and Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment can cause serious eye damage if applied to the face
• Cases of ocular surface toxicity and chemical eye injury have been reported
• Risk occurs when the ointment contacts the eyes, either directly or through hand-to-eye contact

Affected Products

• Epimax Ointment
• Epimax Paraffin-Free Ointment

Recommended Actions

• Do not prescribe these ointments for use on the face
• Advise patients to wash their hands thoroughly after application
• Instruct patients to avoid touching their eyes after use
• Review existing prescriptions and consider alternative treatments for facial use
• Inform patients currently using these products on the face of the potential risk

Further Information

For the full MHRA safety alert and additional guidance, visit the MHRA Drug Safety Update.