Recalled spinal injectables found in Washington State

Federal officials say Washington health facilities didn’t get the spinal injection products that have sickened and killed patients in other states, but state officials say some facilities do have other injectable products from the same company.

The products found in Washington hospitals and clinics are included in a second, expanded recall of injectable products made by the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Mass, although they have not been linked to illness or death.

The original injectable steroid recalled, methylprednisolone acetate, was found to have been contaminated by fungus. Three lots of the steroid have been linked to more than 130 illnesses and 12 deaths in 11 states.

The Washington State Department of Health has urged facilities to notify authorities if any recalled products produced by the company are found in stock.

For a full list of the recalled products: www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/ucm322752.htm.