There is a possible Synvisc-One lawsuit in the not-so-distant future. In December 2017, Sanofi Genzyme voluntarily recalled Synvisc-One, because of microbial contamination of lot number 7RSL021 sold in 36 U.S. states from October 25, 2017, through November 7, 2017. This recalled lot equates to 12,380 syringes. Investigators pinpointed that the microbe is a common airborne organism, which causes serious infections.
About Synvisc-One
Synvisc-One injections use hylan A fluid and hylan B gel, made from a substance called hyaluronan, along with salt water. The syringe uses this gel-like mixture to relieve pain mainly associated with knee osteoarthritis or other joint pain. Hyaluronan, also known as sodium hyaluronate, is naturally present in healthy joints. The substance acts as a shock absorber and lubricant, allowing joints to move smoothly over each other. However, the substance appears to break down in people with osteoarthritis. Injecting it into a joint may lessen pain and inflammation. If non-sterile microbes contaminate the injections, then, patients experience harmful and dangerous side effects.
Synvisc-One Recall
After the Synvisc-One recall, which affected nearly 13,000 syringes. Sanofi Genzyme did not express which microbe caused the contamination. The company has only disclosed that the bacteria is gram-negative. Gram-negative infections are notoriously hard to treat because they are antibiotic-resistant.
Edit: On February 14, 2018, nearly two months after the manufacturer initiated the recall, the recall was updated. The company revealed that the bacterial contaminant in the syringes was Methylbacterium thiocyanatum.
Potential Synvisc-One Lawsuit Outcome
This isn’t the first time a microbe contaminated injections, and the result was catastrophic. Several years ago, plaintiffs secured a $100 million settlement after fungal meningitis contaminated steroid injections. The tainted injections ultimately killed 64 people and injured over 750 in 20 states. It was one of the worst American outbreaks of fungal meningitis.
Also, in 2016 almost 150 cases of bacterially infected syringes hurt patients in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Maryland. The pre-filled syringes had Burkholderia cepacia, which is typically found in the soil and water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention linked the multi-state outbreak to pre-filled syringes from the Texas-based company Nurse Assist, which voluntarily recalled those products in early October 2016. Six people died. The lawsuit is still pending.
We Have the Experience for a Synvisc-One Lawsuit
Not only does the Michael Brady Lynch Firm have over two decades of experience going against large pharmaceutical companies and winning, but also Lead Trial Attorney and Firm Founder Michael Brady Lynch fought for his clients harmed in the New England Compounding Center meningitis outbreak. From 2006 to 2012, New England Compounding Center sent contaminated medication that sickened over 800 individuals and resulted in the deaths of 76. In May 2015, there was a $200 million settlement.
Also, our consultations are completely free, and you are under no obligation. Let us fight for you.