NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J.—Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) announced sales of $17.4 billion for the first quarter of 2015, a decrease of 4.1 percent compared to the first quarter of 2014. Operational results increased 3.1 percent and the negative impact of currency was 7.2 percent. Domestic sales increased 5.9 percent while international sales decreased 12.4 percent, reflecting operational growth of 0.8 percent and a negative currency impact of 13.2 percent. For the first quarter, the company posted net earnings of $4.3 billion.

Sales results in the vision care business were negatively impacted by buying patterns and competitive pricing dynamics, the company said. Worldwide, vision care sales in the first quarter dropped to $631 million, down 17.1 percent from year ago. U.S. sales in the first quarter totaled $253 million, down 11.5 percent from first quarter 2014. International sales fell 20.4 percent, to $378 million.

“The company delivered strong underlying growth in the first quarter driven by new products and the strength of the core business,” said Alex Gorsky, chairman and CEO. “Of note, is the continued robust growth of the pharmaceutical business and the solid performance of our consumer brands. I am proud of our global teams who focus every day on delivering innovative solutions to address evolving health care needs,” he said.

Positive contributors to operational results were sales of Tylenol and Motrin analgesics, digestive health and international upper respiratory over-the-counter products; Neutrogena and Aveeno skin care products; Listerine oral care products; international sales of feminine protection products; and domestic sales of baby care products.

Worldwide pharmaceutical sales of $7.7 billion for the first quarter represented an increase of 3.0 percent versus the prior year with operational growth of 10.2 percent and a negative impact from currency of 7.2 percent. Domestic sales increased 16.9 percent; international sales decreased 10.7 percent, which reflected an operational increase of 3.7 percent and a negative currency impact of 14.4 percent.