You have heard on the news that people on the east coast and midwest have aquired fungal meningitis due to contaminated epidural steroid injections.
If you are now or ever have been my patient, you are NOT at risk.
These are the facts, which have not been properly reported by the media:
- The steroid used in these injections is called Methyprednisolone Acetate (Preservative Free). Dr. Attaman has not used this medication in many years.
- This steroid was manufactured (and contaminated) by a SINGLE, specific pharmacy in New England called the New England Compounding Center. Neither Dr. Attaman nor Overlake Surgery Center have EVER ordered any item whatsoever from the New England Compounding Center.
- The steroids Dr. Attaman uses in his epidural injections are not manufactured by any compounding center, rather they are direct from the manufacturer. Dr. Attaman uses a steroid called Triamcinolone as well as Dexamethasone for his epidural steroid injections. He never uses Methyprednisolone.
- None of Dr. Attaman’s patients have been exposed to this contaminated medication in the past, present, or future. You have nothing to worry about.
About the Author: Jason G. Attaman, DO, FAAPMR
Dr. Attaman is board certified and Anesthesiology-fellowship trained in the medical subspecialty of Pain Medicine and Interventional Pain Management. He is also residency trained and board certified in the specialty of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. He is one of only a few with such extensive qualifications in the state of Washington. Connect with Dr. Attaman on Google+ | LinkedIn | Facebook If you are in pain, call Dr. Attaman's Seattle office (206-395-4422) or Bellevue, WA (425-247-3359) office.
