Meningitis refers to inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. While this condition is relatively rare, it has become synonymous with severe and potentially life-threatening circumstances. Of particular concern, however, is a back pain medication developed by New England Compounding Center (NECC) that has recently been attributed to a multi-state meningitis outbreak. Subsequently, those that have received an injectable steroid from the Massachusetts-based compounding pharmacy may be at risk of developing meningitis.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with meningitis following a steroid injection, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free confidential case evaluation. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.
Meningitis Lawsuit Overview
New England Compounding Center is a medical compound-only pharmacy located in Framingham, MA. Like similar compounding centers, NECC specializes in customizing medications for patients based on their particular needs. Subsequently, they make their own compounds, allowing practitioners to get specialized medications that are no longer manufactured or are on constant back order due to shortages. One compound produced by NECC, however, has recently become a subject of national concern.
According to regulatory officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate (80mg/ml), otherwise known as an injectable steroid, produced by NECC is allegedly responsible for a multi-state meningitis outbreak. A subsequent report issued by the CDC acknowledged that the agency is currently coordinating an investigation of meningitis among patients who have received epidural steroid injections (medications injected into the spine). Several of these patients have had strokes related to the meningitis infection. In a matter of one week, the infection has spread to nine states; in which 91 individuals have been sickened and seven confirmed dead.
Investigators from the FDA and respective state officials are currently investigating the Framingham, Mass., facility where the New England Compounding Center made the 17,676 potentially tainted steroid injections, which were then shipped to 75 clinics in 23 states, according to federal and state officials. Due to the slow incubation period of this fungal infection, regulatory officials have acknowledged the possibility of many more people developing fungal meningitis. Therefore, if you received an epidural steroid injection and have become ill, you may be entitled to substantial compensation by filing your own meningitis lawsuit.
NECC Recall
In response to the meningitis outbreak, NECC has announced a recall of all products currently in circulation that were compounded at and distributed from its facility in Framingham, Massachusetts. This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution due to the potential risk of contamination, and in cooperation with an investigation being conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy.
Fungal Meningitis
Meningitis is characterized by the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, otherwise known as the meninges. The subsequent inflammation is typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection , but meningitis may also be the result of a fungal infection.
Fungal meningitis occurs when the protective membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord are infected with a fungus. In the case of the recent meningitis outbreak, particles of fungus were found in vials of NECC’s injectable steroids. Fungal meningitis can develop after a fungus spreads through the bloodstream from somewhere else in the body, as a result of the fungus being introduced directly into the central nervous system, or by direct extension from an infected body site next to the central nervous system.
Symptoms of fungal meningitis are similar to symptoms of other forms of meningitis, however they often appear more gradually and can be very mild at first. In addition to typical meningitis symptoms, like headache, fever, nausea, and stiffness of the neck, people with fungal meningitis may also experience confusion, dizziness, and discomfort from bright lights. Patients might just have one or two of these symptoms. However, if the condition is allowed to progress, it may become fatal; as seen with the seven deaths that have been attributed to the recent outbreak. If you have developed this condition after receiving an epidural steroid injection, you may be entitled to compensation by filing your own meningitis lawsuit against NECC.
Do I Have a Meningitis Lawsuit?
The trial lawyers at The Senators (Ret.) Firm, LLP have decades of experience navigating through complex legislative and regulatory issues and litigating high stakes cases all over the nation. Our law firm focuses on the representation of plaintiffs in meningitis lawsuits. We are currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Again, if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with meningitis following an epidural steroid injection, you should contact our lawyers immediately by clicking the link below or calling toll free 1-(949) 557-5800. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and we can help.