October 5, 2010, ERIE, PA — As Pennsylvania back injury attorneys, we know that steroid injections are a common treatment for chronic neck and back pain victims. Though difficult and painful, the treatment is oftentimes preferred over the more invasive surgical options available for victims of long term spine pain. News released today, however, has back pain patients worrying they may have been exposed to a fungal infection that causes spinal meningitis.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning to doctors and hospitals to avoid using steroid shots for back pain that were formulated by the New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Massachusetts. 35 people in six states, none of them in Pennsylvania yet, have contracted fungal meningitis, believed to have originated in steroid shots given for back pain.
The Massachusetts pharmacy has recalled 17,676 single dose packs of the back pain medication, a preservative free methylprednisolone acetate.
The Pennsylvania Department of Health is working to determine whether any Pennsylvania back pain patients were exposed to the drug and to notify those who were. Pennsylvania is working with two pain clinics, Allegheny Pain Management in Altoona and South Hills Pain and Rehab Associates, with several locations in Pittsburgh. It is not known if any other Pennsylvania back pain clinics are involved. No illnesses have yet been reported in Pennsylvania.
Purchase and George Help Back Injury Victims
The Erie back injury lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C., P.C. have experience with cases involving back injuries and the many treatments that are employed to help patients suffering from chronic pain. These cases often result from car accidents, truck accidents or slip and fall accidents. Our primary goal is to make sure our clients and their families receive the compensation and resources they need to treat and manage their spine injury and to compensate them for their losses.
As skilled Erie injury lawyers who have helped injured clients who have required spinal fusion surgery, we understand how to evaluate these cases and help you obtain the funds necessary to pay for your spinal fusion surgery and attendant medical care.
Call Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. today, toll free 814-273-2010 to schedule your free and confidential consultation with an Erie spine fusion surgery lawyer.