Massachusetts-based New England Compounding Center (NECC) has recalled three lots of potentially contaminated preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80 mg/ml), which was used in administering spinal steroid injections to treat pain in facilities across the country. The contaminated steroid has caused a multistate fungal meningitis outbreak which has claimed 12 lives in 10 states and infected 127 more as of October 10, 2012. NECC has also recalled every other product and has voluntarily surrendered its license and ceased all operations.
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are coordinating a multistate investigation into the meningitis outbreak. It has been determined that unopened vials of the NECC steroid contained a fungus. When the fungus-contaminated steroid was injected into the spine, the fungus infected the meninges, or protective membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
While symptoms may not manifest for one to four weeks, it is imperative that any Californian who received an epidural spinal injection since May 21, 2012 at any of the below facilities seek medical attention immediately:
- Cypress Surgery Center, Visalia, CA – (559) 740-4094
- Encino Outpatient SurgiCenter, Encino, CA – (818) 986-1037
- Ukiah Valley Medical Center, Ukiah, CA – (707) 463-7345
- Universal Pain Management, Palmdale, CA – (661) 267-6876, x166
Pharmaceutical companies are responsible for the health and safety of the patients who use their products. If you have suffered or have lost a loved one due to an unsafe drug or other defective product, the experienced Encino product liability attorneys at the Law Offices of Renee J. Nordstrand can help you pursue fair compensation from the at-fault companies. Call us today for a free consultation at (818) 981-3530.