Meningitis Outbreak Linked to Steroid Medicine | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

What Happened:

An outbreak of meningitis has killed two people and sickened 12 others who received steroid injections in their spines for pain. Millions of Americans take steroid injections in the spinal area to relieve back pain. These treatments are known as lumbar epidural steroid injections.

Doctors believe that the steroid medicine was contaminated with a fungus known as Aspergillus, according to the New York Times.

The meningitis outbreak resulted in a nationwide recall of the medication that all the patients received. The medication is a preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate which was prepared by one compounding pharmacy. Unfortunately, we do not know which pharmacy is the culprit since health officials have declined to name the pharmacy or release lot numbers of the medication.

Here is a video featuring a news report on the meningitis outbreak:

The Virginia Injury Lawyer’s Perspective:

The victims who are struggling with meningitis should consider speaking to a personal injury attorney. Based on the facts available, they probably have grounds to seek restitution against the compounding pharmacy. Allowing a potentially deadly fungus to develop within a medication is not something that should be tolerated and the victims whose lives have been turned upside down should take action.  

Potentially Helpful Info:

Our firm published information about the process that may be necessary to seek damages against a drug manufacturer or pharmacy. Get the information here.

Have Questions? Check Out Our Firm’s FAQs:

FAQs about what to do if you or a loved one is hurt by a product or drug that is the subject of a recall.