Meningitis Outbreak due to unsafe epidural steroid injections
On October 3, 2012, the New England Compound Pharmacy Inc. stopped production of all of their pharmaceutical products because of unsterile conditions. It was discovered that their epidural steroid injections were contaminated with Fungal Meningitis.
Tissue that becomes larger than it is supposed to be can has devastating effects on the organs that the tissue surrounds
Once this was discovered, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) recalled all the contaminated epidural steroid injections. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began looking into this matter immediately. Their investigation is still ongoing, however what we do know is that as of October 11, 2012, there has been 108 cased reported in 9 states. 8 of those cases have been fatal. The numbers are continuing to grow every day.
Which Batches Were Tainted?
The Lots that have been specifically recalled so far are:
- Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #[email protected], BUD 11/17/2012
- Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #[email protected], BUD 12/26/2012
- Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #[email protected], BUD 2/6/2013
As of right now it is not known how this happened or how wide spread this is problem is. As we learn more here at The DiCello Law Firm, we will post it here on our blog.
What is Fungal Meningitis?
There are several types of Meningitis. Fungal Meningitis is when the inflammation is caused by a fungus. It is a rare form of meningitis. It is not contagious but can be just as deadly as other types of Menigtis if you get it.
Why is Meningitis so dangerous?
Meningitis is when the tissue in a person’s brain or spinal cord becomes inflamed. When tissue becomes inflamed it becomes larger. Tissue that becomes larger than it is supposed to be can has devastating effects on the organs that the tissue surrounds. With Meningitis, we are dealing with a person’s brain and spinal cord. Any damage to a person’s brain or spinal cord can be devastating!
What are the symptoms?
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms call your doctor right away:
- New headache or worsening headache
- Fever
- Stiff Neck
- Sensitivity to light
- Worsening pain, redness, or swelling at your injection site
These may be signs that you have contracted fungal meningitis.
The DiCello Law Firm is one of the law firms looking into how a pharmaceutical could possibly ship so many tainted epidural steroid shots. Click here to learn more about what The DiCello Law Firm is doing for people who have received these shots.