2 More Drugs Contaminated From NECC
Posted on November 1, 2012 Written By: iadminlaw
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The New England Compounding Center responsible for the contaminated steroids that started a fungal meningitis outbreak is confirmed to have produced two more drugs infected with bacteria. The compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts released drugs used to treat back pain that were contaminated by mold and prompted an investigation by the Food and Drug Administration.
The FDA’s probe into the now shuttered facilities has so far found that the conditions inside the supposedly sterile lab environment were not up to standards. What should have been clean rooms were spotted with mold and dirt. Even the unopened vials of drugs made at the NECC were found to have mold lurking inside.
Another type of steroid along with a drug used in heart operations tested positive for bacteria. The FDA has yet to confirm whether these drugs were also contaminated by the fungus present in the first steroid batch, methylprednilosone that had traces of aspergillus. About 13,000 people were affected by that discovery alone. 28 people died due to meningitis while hundreds more fight back the rare disease.
Three batches of betamethasone from NECC were contaminated by different types of bacteria combinations. This is a steroid used in a similar way to the methylprednilosone. The second drug is cardioplegia solution, which is used in heart transplant patients during surgery to stop the heart.
Of all the bacteria types found in these drugs, two are of concern. Bacillus idriensis and bacillus circulans have been known to cause rare forms of disease in humans. However, it’s unclear how many people were treated with these drugs and if it has caused any health problems yet.
All drugs manufactured by NECC were recalled on October 6, 2012. All estimates for the new amount of people affected by the contaminated drugs are unclear. However, the FDA is looking into current fungal infection patients to see if there is a connection between them and the drugs. Two patients of interest had just undergone heart surgery when a fungal infection was discovered.
Patients concerned about the origins of their drugs should consult their prescribing doctors or pharmacists. If you feel nauseous, have headache or feel mentally weakened, you could be experiencing symptoms of meningitis. Consult your doctor immediately.
Are you confirmed to be affected by the contaminated drugs distributed by the NECC? Speak to a personal injury lawyer. Contact the Accident Attorneys’ Group for more information.
