Contaminated Steroid
Injections
Oftentimes, a personalized medication, such as a steroid, is prescribed for a patient that requires the compounding of several different products into one. Steroid injections, which are frequently compounded, are typically injected near the spine to resolve spinal pain. Due to the sensitive area in which the compounded product is injected, it is imperative that strict sterility processes are followed in the compounding, or mixing together, of medicines. Injecting anything near the spine that is contaminated could be life-threatening.
Unfortunately, there have been instances were pharmacies have failed to follow proper sterility procedures resulting in the distribution and administration of contaminated steroid injections filled with fungus or bacteria causing fungal meningitis or other serious injuries. If you were injured by a contaminated steroid product, please contact GoldenbergLaw to learn more about making a potential claim.
Case Quick Facts
While there have unfortunately been several instances where compounding pharmacies have distributed a contaminated steroid product, one 2012 incident resulted in thousands of injuries across the United States.
In 2012, the New England Compounding Center (NECC), a compounding pharmacy located in Framingham, Massachusetts, issued a massive recall of a compounded steroid product it distributed across the United States after receiving reports of numerous deaths linked to exposure to the steroid. Specifically, the pharmacy mixed a compound, Methylprednisolone Acetate, and distributed it to hundreds of pharmacies across the United States. It was ultimately discovered that the compound was contaminated with fungus and bacteria. When recipient pharmacies injected the compound into patients, often into their spine in an effort to relieve back pain, the fungus and bacteria were released into the body, causing a deadly condition of fungal meningitis.
The product was recalled in September 2012, and the NECC filed for bankruptcy shortly thereafter. Ultimately, over 70 people died, 700 people contracted fungal meningitis, and thousands more were exposed. GoldenbergLaw represented many victims of the NECC contamination in an effort to bring justice.
While GoldenbergLaw is no longer taking NECC cases, our firm does investigate other instances of contaminated steroid injections resulting in injuries to the patient.
There several injuries associated with the administration of contaminated steroid products. These include:
- Fungal meningitis
- Bacterial meningitis
- Infection
- Abscess
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Death
The New England Compounding Pharmacy created and distributed the 2012 contaminated injection. Shortly after the NECC recalled the product in September 2012, it filed for bankruptcy. Multiple owners and other entities were held responsible for this tragic event in both civil and criminal litigation. Many of the wrongdoers were ultimately convicted of numerous crimes.
Additionally, several recipient pharmacies across the United States were also held responsible for the tragic event for failing to better vet the NECC to ensure they were buying safe products.
Litigation Status
An NECC settlement was reached to compensate victims of the horrible contamination.
Non-NECC contaminated steroid injection cases are being litigated throughout the country.
GoldenbergLaw is not currently accepting NECC contamination cases, however, we are taking on other contaminated steroid injury claims. Please contact our office directly to learn more about your potential case if you were injured by a contaminated steroid product.
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Pharmacy Compounding
According to the FDA, pharmacy compounding is a practice in which a licensed pharmacist fills a prescription by combining, mixing or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the medical needs of an individual patient.
Although pharmacy compounding can play a very important role in treating patients, there are risks involved. Compounding pharmacies are not regulated as closely as drug manufacturers, and their products are not subject to FDA regulation or approval. Poor compounding practices at these pharmacies can result in contamination and render a product harmful and, in some cases, deadly.
Compounding can serve important needs when a patient’s individual circumstances prevent them from using the FDA–approved form of a drug. However, the FDA has expressed concern over the lack of medical necessity behind some of the products produced by compounding pharmacies. By slightly changing a drug, a facility is able to exist under the guise of a compounding pharmacy even if its operations and goals are more in line with those of a drug manufacturing facility. This presents a loophole that the FDA finds troubling.
Why Choose GoldenbergLaw?
If you find yourself considering a fungal meningitis lawsuit, contact GoldenbergLaw today. Our team of fungal meningitis lawsuit lawyers can help you get the compensation that you deserve following your incident. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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