The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced the discovery of bacteria and fungus in vials of injectable steroids.
The announcement, made in early June 2013, stated that sealed vials of steroids compounded by Main Street Family Pharmacy, located in Tennessee, contained the contaminants. The company recalled all of their products nationwide after 24 victims in Florida, Arkansas, Illinois, and North Carolina developed injection site abscesses.
According to a statement released by FDA officials, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working to identify the exact strains of fungus and bacteria found in the vials. To date, there have not been any known cases of meningitis associated with these contaminated steroid injections.
This recent batch of contaminated steroids contained the same drug that was at the center of the 2012 outbreak of fungal meningitis that affected approximately 800 victims nationwide. In more than 300 of those meningitis cases, abscesses developed at injection sites—similar to those that developed during this recent recall.
In total, Main Street Pharmacy distributed the contaminated drug throughout 13 states, including Illinois.
Since last year’s contamination outbreak, the FDA has increased their inspection of drugs produced by compounding pharmacies. The results show that many of these pharmacies operate under unsterile conditions.
Injuries or adverse reactions from contaminated steroid injections can be devastating for those who unknowingly become a victim. If you have suffered a serious illness or injury after an injection or medical procedure, an experienced Chicago medical malpractice attorney at Lane Brown may be able to help. Our skilled and compassionate lawyers will take the time to understand what happened, answer all of your questions, and help you to determine your next steps—all during a free case evaluation. Contact our office today at 312-332-1400 to schedule your complimentary appointment.
