Meningitis Attorneys
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and several state health departments are working together to investigate the fungal meningitis outbreak, and keep the public informed. Patients who have received a steroid injection since May 21, 2012, are advised to talk to their doctors right away if they experience any symptoms of meningitis. If you have been affected by the fungal meningitis outbreak, please talk to experienced meningitis attorneys right away.
Initial Recall of Contaminated Steroids
On September 25, 2012, the New England Compounding Center (NECC) recalled three lots of its injectable steroid called methylprednisolone acetate:
- Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #05212012@68, BUD 11/17/2012
- Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #06292012@26, BUD 12/26/2012
- Methylprednisolone Acetate (PF) 80 mg/ml Injection, Lot #08102012@51, BUD 2/6/2013
The recalled lots had been shipped to 76 facilities in 23 states, and about 13,000 people had already been injected with the potentially contaminated drugs.
The recall was initiated after the Tennessee Department of Health notified the CDC, on September 21, 2012, of a fungal meningitis case, in Tennessee, linked to epidural steroid injection.
Expanded Recall
On October 6, 2012, NECC announced a voluntary recall of all of its products. Doctors, clinics, and anyone in possession of NECC products are advised to stop using the products immediately.
Contacting Patients
The CDC is instructing doctors to contact all patients who have received injections of from the three lots involved in the initial recall, find out if they have symptoms of meningitis, and maintain contact even if they do not since there can be an incubation period of one to four weeks or longer before symptoms appear.
Even though meningitis has only occurred in patients who received epidural injections, patients who have received the injections in other parts of the body, such as the knee or shoulder, should be on the lookout for signs of meningitis and other infections.
Testing
A spinal tap is required to test for fungal meningitis. The test is recommended for patients who have received the recalled drugs and show any signs of meningitis, even mild symptoms.
If you have contracted meningitis after receiving a steroid injection, or if you have lost a loved one to the fungal meningitis outbreak, in Ohio, please contact our meningitis attorneys right away. You may be entitled to compensation which can pay for your medical care, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.