Marlton, NJ (PRWEB) November 15, 2012
Federal investigators have uncovered a host of unsanitary conditions and safety violations at Ameridose, a drug compounding company that boasts some of the same owners currently tied to a national fungal meningitis outbreak responsible for deaths in multiple states. The New York Times* reports inspectors working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration discovered germ-contaminated drug compounds, violations of safety protocols in rooms containing sterile products, and rust-covered equipment. In New Jersey, where ABC Local** estimates as many as 1,000 patients received injections tainted with fungal meningitis, NJ injury attorney Richard P. Console Jr. sees a pattern of behavior emerging with drug supply businesses.
Companies operating in unsanitary conditions are putting patients at risk, said Console. When you have products that have to stay sterile for safe use, exposing them to open air for any length of time is negligent and potentially dangerous. Patients who suffer injuries because of those actions may be entitled to compensation.
Ameridose has reportedly* issued a voluntary recall of all its unexpired products in the wake of the FDAs findings, though this isnt the first sign of trouble for the company. Inspectors, commenting to The New York Times,* also stated Ameridose failed to conduct thorough investigations of previous complaints relating to the companys dosing strengths of its mixed drugs. Potentially dangerous reactions to Ameridose drugs reportedly include, fetal distress, hyperstimulated uterus, maternal hemorrhaging, and a lack of effectiveness in a childrens sedative. Console, whose firm of personal injury attorneys in Paterson has represented more than 5,000 personal injury clients, has been following these developments closely.
Weve seen the consequences that can come from unsanitary operating conditions with the meningitis outbreak, he said. The outcomes are very real for the hundreds of patients potentially affected and those whove already died. Identifying where the contamination occurred is so important in order to eliminate these occurrences in the future. By holding responsible parties accountable for the harm their products cause, the quality of products may improve. This could prevent outbreaks or other patient illnesses in the future.
Ameridose has grown into a big supplier of blended pharmaceuticals with more than 2,200 separate products on the market. Blended drugs are prescription medications received from other pharmaceutical companies and mixed together to create new compounds. Medications blended by Ameridose include antibiotics, anesthetics, and tranquilizers. The company has shut down all business activities while its voluntary drug recall is in effect.
Richard P. Console Jr. is the managing partner of Console & Hollawell P.C., a New Jersey personal injury law firm. Since 1994, the firm has obtained tens of millions of dollars for accident victims, including those suffering injuries sustained from unsafe or defective products.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/13/health/safety-problems-found-at-firm-tied-to-meningitis-linked-pharmacy.html?ref=us
**http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=8836765