Another Compounding Pharmacy Closed over Sterility Issues

A surprise inspection initiated in the wake of the deadly meningitis outbreak resulted in the closing of another Massachusetts compounding pharmacy over potential sterility issues with its drugs.

Infusion Resource, which mixes drugs for recently released hospital patients, agreed to ask the 40 patients who receive compounds from it to return any unused medication after Massachusetts health officials found “significant issues” with the areas in which drugs were being mixed, according to the Associated Press (AP).

Though there was no indication of any medication being unsafe for use, the officials found safety issues such as a crack in a window, the poor condition of flooring in a clean room, and a leaking refrigerator drain hose during the inspection at the pharmacy. The company says it plans immediate action to address the issues.

The pharmacy has voluntarily surrendered its manufacturing license to ensure patient safety.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is carrying out surprise inspections of all compounding pharmacies in the state after contaminated steroids from the New England Compounding Center (NECC) killed 29 people and sickened 377 others with fungal meningitis, according to the latest number from the Centers for Disease Control. NECC has since shuttered its operations.

Earlier, inspections were carried out only at the time any compounding pharmacy started operations or in case of any complaint. Now, regulations are being proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to require regular reports from compounding pharmacies and the setting up of a commission to look at best practices in other states as well.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous drug, contact Sokolove Law for a free legal consultation and to find out if a dangerous drug lawyer may be able to help you.

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