CDC Opens Multi-State Investigation of Infections After Steroid Injections - East Idaho News

CDC Opens Multi-State Investigation of Infections After Steroid Injections

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Getty 041213 Injection?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1370036822405iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating steroid products produced by a Tennessee pharmacy after a number of patients who received them developed skin and soft tissue infections.

So far, the CDC acknowledges 20 reports of people who received the preservative-free form of the steroid methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) produced by the Main Street Family Pharmacy in Newbern, Tenn., who have contracted infections. So far, the known infections have been reported in Florida, Illinois and North Carolina. However, according to pharmacy records, similar products were shipped to facilities in 17 states since December 2012.

The products in question are the same as those that were implicated in fungal meningitis infections that were reported in previous months.  However, the prior meningitis infections were linked to products shipped from an unrelated compound in Massachusetts.

The products have been recalled by the pharmacy. As of now there have been no reported cases of meningitis linked to MPA products from the Main Street Family Pharmacy, and none of the reported infections are considered life-threatening.

There was no information available regarding infections caused by products other than the preservative-free MPA. State and local health departments are also working with the CDC and the FDA on the ongoing investigation.

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