Brilliant Blue G Side Effects

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received reports of fungal endophthalmitis in patients who were given Brilliant Blue G (BBG) during eye surgeries. Clinicians in several states reported the adverse events. The FDA, along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local and state public health agencies, are actively investigating these adverse events. The BBG was supplied by Franck's Compounding Lab, Ocala, Florida. Franck's Pharmacy issued a recall on March 9, 2012, of all lots of Brilliant Blue G and issued a recall letter. Brilliant Blue G is not an approved drug in the U.S.

Warnings & Recalls for Brilliant Blue G

Brilliant Blue G(Coomassie brilliant blue G-250) Recall

On March 9th, 2012, all lots of Brilliant Blue G were recalled after patients who had undergone eyes surgeries developed cases of fungal endophthalmitis- an eye infection which causes inflammation, pain, and blurred vision. Brilliant Blue G(Triphenylmethane dye) is a protein stain supplied by Franck's Compounding Lab in Ocala, Florida. Although originally created for the textile industry, Brilliant Blue G has been utilized in retinal surgeries to identify nearly invisible protein bands. Brilliant Blue G is not a drug which has been approved by the FDA in the United States.

Brilliant Blue G Treatment and Use

What is Brilliant Blue G Used For?

Macular holes are small holes that can develop in the part of the retina that controls the ability to see fine details(such as when you are reading or watching tv), thus deforming vision. Brilliant Blue G is not so much the treatment for this condition, but merely a means of facilitating it.

When treating macular holes retinal surgeons will remove the internal limiting membrane- a piece of the eye which separates the retina from the gel of the eyeball. By removing the internal limiting membrane surgeons are often able to completely remove macular holes. However, the internal limiting membrane is very thin, and incredibly difficult to see. This is where Brilliant Blue G comes in. The dye is applied to the membrane and then flushed out, staining the membrane a bright blue, and thus allowing a safe removal.

If you or someone you know has recently undergone eye surgery and is experiencing complications as a result, please report your experience.

Other Names for Brilliant Blue G

Lawsuits & Legal Information for Brilliant Blue G