Idaho Falls, Idaho, October 17, 2012: Idaho Eye and Laser Center today announced their ongoing participation in the Voluntary Cautionary recall for all medications compounded and distributed by New England Compounding Center.

The Idaho Eye and Laser Center received notification two weeks ago of a voluntary recall of medications compounded and distributed by New England Compounding Center (NECC). All Drugs sold by NECC were on the voluntary recall. Three drugs used by the Idaho Eye and Laser Center were Betamethasone, Hyaluronidase, and Triamcinolone. These drugs were immediately pulled and replaced with drugs from other pharmacies not involved in the voluntary recall. To date, the only drugs identified as having the fungal contamination were two steroids used for back pain spinal injections and possibly one cardio related drug. All other drugs were advised to be pulled as a cautionary measure. There have been NO identified cases of infection from the three “eye” related drugs listed above.

The FDA on Monday (10/16/12) expanded its advice to doctors to contact all patients who got any injection made by NECC, including steroids and drugs used in eye surgery as well as heart operations. The Idaho Eye and Laser Center was already performing this in relation to the cautionary recall.

There is a 28 day incubation period for the “eye” related infections that could possibly occur. Where the Idaho Eye and Laser Center pulled these drugs two weeks ago, we are nearing the end of the 28 day cycle. Most instances of use are already well past the incubation period with NO incident to any patient. The Idaho Eye and Laser Center does not anticipate ANY cases to arise from this.

These drugs were minimally used for very specific cases (6 intravitreal injections and 27 cases of anesthetic blocking) . These medications were NOT used in any LASIK or intraocular cataract surgeries.

These drugs have been removed as a cautionary measure and there have not been any cases of “eye” related infections reported to date. Unlike the contaminated spinal injections which can result in a rare form of Meningitis, the use of these medications in the eye would not cause life threatening conditions – if present, they could result in an infection in or around the eye that would have to be resolved with treatment. Again, there have been NO reported cases of contamination or infection of this nature.

All patients who received the medications have been contacted (with the exception of a couple who we have not been able to reach but we expect to have these contacted within the next 24 hours). They have been informed of the recall and are being monitored for any symptoms of infection. To reiterate: THERE HAVE BEEN ZERO MAINFESTATIONS OF SYMPTOMS. We have NOT had any occurrence of infections nor do we anticipate any.

The Idaho Eye and Laser Center is the regions Premier Eye Care Specialist with over 85 Years of Combined Eye Care Experience…. You can trust the quality of the professionals at Idaho Eye and Laser Center. We provide specialized ophthalmic clinical and ambulatory surgical care. We are committed to taking care of your medical eye care needs. We welcome any questions you might have.