Nationwide Meningitis Outbreak From Tainted Steroid is Latest Consequence of a High-Profile Defective Drug

January 11, 2013

Earlier in 2012, hundreds of patients suffering from chronic back pain being treated with steroid injections were shocked to learn that they had contracted a particularly virulent strain of meningitis. The infection was traced back to a Massachusetts compounding pharmacy responsible for custom blending injections that were used by physicians and other practitioners in 14 states around the country.

The outbreak has killed almost 40 people and sickened over 500 more. The pharmacy has since been shuttered while an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control, Food and Drug Administration and state health authorities continues.

Sadly, while the meningitis outbreak has received massive national and global media coverage, it is but another in a long line of defective or tainted medical devices, drugs and equipment that has resulted in multiple injuries. In recent years, patients have been injured by a wide array of medications, implants and over-the-counter products intended to heal, including:
- Hip implants manufactured and distributed by Johnson & Johnson/DePuy, Stryker, Biomet and other companies
- Diabetes drugs like Actos and Avandia/Avandemet/Avandaryl
- Contraceptives like Yaz and Yazmin
- Transvaginal mesh products used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence
- Immune system boosters like Zicam
- Painkillers like Vioxx, Darvocet and Celebrex

Some of the recalled drugs and devices have been found to have more serious side effects than originally postulated, while some have actually been found to cause far more harm than the benefit they originally could have offered.

A telling example of this is the controversy surrounding the transvaginal mesh implanted into thousands of women dealing with reproductive and urinary system issues. The mesh was designed to treat what are essentially nuisance issues that - while having a big impact on the lives of the women suffering them - were not fatal and rarely resulted in significant pain. The effects of faulty mesh, though, are far more serious than the original underlying conditions, and can include erosion of the mesh through the patient's vaginal wall, adherence to intestinal or organ tissue, severe scarring, infections and chronic pain during urination or intercourse.

Regardless of whether injury is the result of a tainted medication, a defective medical device, a faulty implant, an unforeseen side effect or some other product liability issue, you are likely not alone. There are currently multiple class action lawsuits pending in state and federal courts around the country to help compensate injured patients for the harm they have suffered. Consult an experienced personal injury in your area to learn more about your legal rights and options you may have to hold the parties responsible for your injuries accountable.

Article provided by The Law Offices of Smith & Doran, P.C.
Visit us at www.smith-doran.com