Speare says it never used NECC's steroid products but has utilized others

PLYMOUTH — Speare Memorial Hospital says it is reaching out to patients as the number of cases continues to increase in the national outbreak of fungal meningitis and infections related to a specific steroid injection produced by the New England Compounding Center (NECC); and the subsequent recall of all medication made by NECC since January 2012 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Speare officials say the hospital did not purchase or administer any steroid injections from NECC. However, the hospital has utilized other medications — one relative to pain control and the others specific to cataract surgery — that were purchased from NECC since May 21, 2012.

Speare's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Joseph Ebner says, "While none of these drugs are currently in question, we are in the process of notifying patients to whom these were administered during a recent hospital stay of their use; and to be aware of signs and symptoms related to a fungal infection. We are engaged daily with the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, the FDA and CDC, receiving updates and the latest recommendations."

At this point in time the FDA cannot confirm or guarantee that any product produced at NECC is sterile. Therefore, Speare patients identified as having received one or more doses of a pain control medication in Labor and Delivery, in the Emergency Department, or as an inpatient, are being advised of the signs and symptoms of a fungal infection with include fever, chills, night sweats, and just not feeling well overall. Pain and severe redness of the eye are symptoms to watch for in patients administered two medications during cataract surgery.

"By making patients aware of what to look for now, and asking them to contact their provider immediately if they experience any of them, will aid in a more rapid diagnosis and treatment," says Dr. Ebner.

Patients were advided to call their medical provider directly if they have questions or concerns about your own recent hospital stay or procedure at Speare. For more general information about the national outbreak of fungal meningitis, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services has also established an information line: (603) 271-6617.