 We want to provide Newton-Wellesley patients and their families with the latest information regarding the ongoing investigation into drug contamination at the New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham. According to recent updates on the Food and Drug Administration and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites, a patient from elsewhere is being evaluated for possible meningitis that could be linked to an epidural produced by NECC.
• Newton-Wellesley Hospital has NEVER USED this medication from NECC.
Newton-Wellesley Hospital is dedicated to providing our patients with the safest and highest quality care. We are committed to open communication and truly care about the health and wellness of our patients. We have provided resources to you that we hope will be helpful. We know you have many choices when it comes to your health care... thank you for choosing Newton-Wellesley Hospital.
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What’s the story about the compounding pharmacy I keep hearing on the news?
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I use Newton-Wellesley Hospital. In fact, in September, I had a surgical procedure. Should I be concerned?
- Newton-Wellesley Hospital has NEVER USED this NECC medication. NWH did purchase DIFFERENT medications from NECC that were used during some surgical procedures and deliveries to control pain and itching. These medications have NOT been linked to the fungal meningitis outbreak.
- Despite these reassurances, any Newton-Wellesley Hospital patient who may have received any NECC injectable medication after May 21st has been notified by mail consistent with the FDA Advisory.
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I use Newton-Wellesley Hospital. In fact, in September, I had a baby there. Should I be concerned?
- NWH did purchase a DIFFERENT medication from NECC that was used in some obstetric patients. This medication has NOT been linked to the fungal meningitis outbreak.
- We have no reason to believe that you or your baby is at risk.
- Despite these reassurances, any Newton-Wellesley Hospital patient who may have received any NECC injectable after May 21st medication has been notified by mail consistent with the FDA Advisory.
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If there’s no reason to be concerned, why is the Hospital notifying patients?
- Out of an abundance of caution, and at the urging of the FDA, Massachusetts hospitals are alerting patients who received any NECC injectable products (even those medications not linked to the outbreak) after May 21st about the potential risk of infection and what symptoms to watch out for in case other NECC products have been contaminated.
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What symptoms should I be watching for?
- The symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea and vomiting, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and drowsiness, confusion, or abnormal behavior. Symptoms of other types of infection may include fever; swelling, increasing pain, redness, warmth at injection site; visual changes, pain, redness or discharge from the eye; chest pain or drainage from the surgical site. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical care.
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The news mentions a second company, Ameridose. What is their involvement?
- Ameridose is a company that has a shared ownership relationship with NECC but produces their medications at a different facility. It is only because of the shared ownership that DPH and FDA decided, out of an abundance of caution, to inspect the Ameridose manufacturing facility, which is ongoing. No cases of fungal meningitis have been linked to any Ameridose product.
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I’m coming in for a procedure soon. Should I be concerned about any medications I may receive?
- No, there is no need for you to worry. Newton-Wellesley immediately discontinued use of ALL NECC products prior to the recall. While all NECC-produced medications have been recalled, both the DPH and FDA have stated that at this time, hospitals and other providers may use any Ameridose products they currently have in stock.
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I think one of the creams that I received during a treatment was a NECC product. Should I be worried?
- The FDA does not urge patient follow-up at this time for NECC products of lower risk such as topicals (for example, lotions, creams, eye drops not used in conjunction with surgery) and suppositories.
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Where can I get more information?
The FDA has an excellent Frequently Asked Questions website on the meningitis outbreak for patients – http://www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/patients/faq-meningitis-outbreak-patients.html
Further details about the investigations or about the specific products that are being reviewed are available at either the CDC or DPH websites:
CDC's website – www.cdc.gov/hai/outbreaks/meningitis.html
FDA’s website – http://www.fda.gov/default.htm
Mass. DPH's website – www.mass.gov/dph/
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