Go Ad-Free
logoThe People's Perspective on Medicine

Meningitis Epidemic Raises Quality Control Questions

The deadly meningitis outbreak linked to contaminated spinal injections is spurring calls for FDA oversight of compounded drugs. These are medications that are created or repackaged outside of the usual pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
Historically, pharmacists actually formulated many of the medications they dispensed. But by the middle of the 20th century drug companies had taken over the manufacturing of most drugs in the U.S. There has been a resurgence in compounding over the last few decades, however. Such pharmacies supply bio-identical hormones, unusual doses or special formulations that doctors request. Such drugstores serve their local communities. But there has also been a expansion of larger-scale compounding pharmacies. They advertise on the web and supply products all over the country to doctors’ offices, clinics, surgical centers and even directly to patients. Unlike pharmaceutical firms, such mini-manufacturing centers are largely immune from FDA oversight.
Because of the unfolding tragedy involving contaminated steroid spinal injections, there are calls for new regulations. States rarely have the expertise or the resources to monitor manufacturing in compounding pharmacies the way the FDA oversees drug companies. As a result there have been previous problems with drug quality. The latest public health calamity underscores the need for better consumer protection.

Rate this article
star-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-emptystar-fullstar-empty
0- 0 ratings
About the Author
Joe Graedon is a pharmacologist who has dedicated his career to making drug information understandable to consumers. His best-selling book, The People’s Pharmacy, was published in 1976 and led to a syndicated newspaper column, syndicated public radio show and web site. In 2006, Long Island University awarded him an honorary doctorate as “one of the country's leading drug experts for the consumer.”.
Tired of the ads on our website?

Now you can browse our website completely ad-free for just $5 / month. Stay up to date on breaking health news and support our work without the distraction of advertisements.

Browse our website ad-free
Join over 150,000 Subscribers at The People's Pharmacy

We're empowering you to make wise decisions about your own health, by providing you with essential health information about both medical and alternative treatment options.