Federal officials are continuing to investigate New England Compounding Center (NECC), the pharmacy believed to be the source of the tainted steroids responsible for a national fungal meningitis outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says the ongoing probe could lead to drug shortages for providers that buy drugs from Ameridose LLC, a compounding pharmacy owned and operated by the same people as NECC. Investigators are examining the causes and extent of the meningitis outbreak blamed for almost 300 cases of fungal meningitis in 16 states, including 23 deaths.
Officials have not yet discovered any problems with Ameridose’s products, but they have temporarily suspended all production at the company for as a precaution. While the company is shut down, Ameridose’s customers who include many hospitals and clinics across the country may experience a deficiency in their supplies of certain drugs. No information on specific drugs or providers that may be affected was immediately available.
Ameridose Shuts Down Days After NECC Recalled Products Responsible for Widespread Meningitis Outbreak
The FDA and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy shut down Ameridose on Oct. 10 as a result of the business relationship between NECC, the maker of the tainted steroids, and Ameridose. The halt is scheduled to end on Nov. 5, by mutual agreement between the company and state regulators.
The tainted steroids produced by NECC are methylprednisolone acetate injections used to treat patients who have chronic back pain as well as those who have experienced inflammation causing discomfort and limited movement in joints such as knees, shoulders and hips. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that NECC shipped more than 17,000 vials of the tainted steroids to 24 states. The company issued a recall of all the lots earlier this month.
If you suspect that you received a tainted steroid injection and are experiencing symptoms of meningitis, including fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and altered mental status, you should seek medical treatment immediately.
Personal Injury Attorneys in Philadelphia and New Jersey
The Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving injuries as a result of defective drug and pharmaceutical products. Our extremely skilled team of personal injury attorneys and medical experts is dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you have been injured by a tainted steroid shot, a defective drug or medical device, a negligent medical provider, or have endured any other type of personal injury, contact the personal injury attorneys of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.
