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First case
The Tennessee Depatment of Health notified the CDC that a patient developed meningitis about 19 days after being injected with an epidural steroid at a Tennessee ambulatory surgical center. -
Local cases
New England Compounding Center (NECC) in Framingham, Massachusetts, recalled three lots of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate used in epidural steroid injections. -
Inspection begins
The FDA began its inspection of NECC's facility. Via microscope, investigators observed foreign particulate matter in an unopened vial of preservative-free methylprednisolone acetate. -
NECC shuts down
NECC voluntarily shut down operations and expanded its recall to include all methylprednisolone acetate and other drugs pertaining to the spinal canal. NECC also surrendered its pharmacy registration to the Massachusetts Board of Registration and Pharmacy. -
NECC recalls all products
As a precautionary measure, NECC recalled all products made at and distributed from the compounding pharmacy. -
U.S. Senators get involved
U.S. Senators Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander wrote a letter to the FDA asking about its jurisdiction over compounding pharmacies and what it knows about NECC specifically, chattanoogan.com reported. NECC cut 50 percent of its workforce, amounting to 40 employees.