State Inspections Find Problems at Meningitis Pharmacy

Two dozen people are dead and more than 300 are sickened as a result of an outbreak of fungal meningitis tied by federal health authorities to the Massachusetts-based New England Compounding Center (NECC).

Now a preliminary inspection of the compounding pharmacy by the state has uncovered health and safety problems ranging from filthy floor mats outside “clean rooms” to shipping drug lots before the company’s own tests proved they were sterile, reports the Associated Press (AP).

Massachusetts health officials are also looking into whether the company acted as a manufacturer by preparing batches of drugs that were not labeled for particular patients in violation of state law. NECC’s attorney said the company operated in compliance with the requirements of its license.

Meanwhile, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick told the AP the state seeks to permanently revoke NECC’s operating license as well as those of its main pharmacists. The state is also planning surprise inspections of the 25 other compounding pharmacies in Massachusetts in an effort to improve oversight of the industry.

An estimated 14,000 patients are at a risk of contracting fungal meningitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the spinal cord and brain lining, after receiving contaminated steroid shots for back or joint pain made by NECC. Thus far 24 people have died and 317 have fallen ill nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The number of infections is expected to grow – and so is the number of meningitis lawsuits –in the coming weeks. NECC already faces suits by patients in several states including Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Tennessee.

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

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