What Patients Should Know about NECC Recall 10/24/2012
WILMINGTON – New Hanover Regional Medical Center has been monitoring the recall of products from the New England Compounding Center (NECC). The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended that all products produced by NECC be recalled and withheld from use as a result of the ongoing FDA and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) investigation into a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to an injectable steroid medication distributed by NECC.
The injectable steroid implicated in the meningitis outbreak has not been used at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, Cape Fear Hospital, Pender Memorial Hospital, or any of the outpatient sites or NHRMC Physician Group practices.
As a precautionary measure, the NECC has voluntarily recalled all of its products, although there have been no reports of contamination to products other than the injectable steroid and the risk of infection is thought to be very low. NHRMC and its affiliated hospitals and clinics are following FDA and CDC guidelines to remove NECC products and notify patients where appropriate.
NECC produces a wide range of products, including an injectable lidocaine, which is used to numb an area for a procedure or to relieve pain. This product was used with six patients at Pender Memorial Hospital (PMH) in July. The hospital is calling and mailing each of those patients to see if they have had any questions or concerns since their visit.
As always, New Hanover Regional Medical Center urges all members of our community to be aware of changes in their health and talk with their doctor or healthcare provider if they have a concern. The hospital’s nurse call service, VitaLine (888.815.5188), is also available 24-hours a day to answer general health questions.
For continued updates on the recall, visit the FDA and CDC web sites.
