Experienced New Jersey Product Liability Attorneys Help Victims Injured by Contaminated Arthritis Gel
Arthritis sufferers who were prescribed an injectable arthritis gel manufactured by Sanofi Genzyme – Sinvisc-One – are advised to check with their prescribing physicians regarding this product. Two days ago, on December 11, 2107, Sanofi Genzyme recalled more than 12,000 Sinvisc-One syringes due to contamination of the product. The company ordered doctors and pharmacists to return the syringes to the manufacturer.
Sanofi Genzyme reported that 18,000 gel-filled syringes tested positive for microbial contamination. A total of 12,380 of the contaminated syringes were distributed – between October 25, 2017 and November 7, 2017 — in 36 states.
Syringes affected
The affected syringes, which were manufactured at the company’s plant in Ridgefield, New Jersey, bear the identification number 7RSL021. Sanofi Genzyme has not provided details regarding the reported medical problems associated with the product, other than to indicate that no deaths were associated with the problem. The company has not made information available regarding how the syringes were contaminated.
Sanofi Genzyme has requested that all doctors, clinics, and pharmacists return any unused product to Sanofi Genzyme to avoid further problems.
While the nature of the contamination was not disclosed by the company, some fear that patients injected with the contaminated gel could suffer serious injuries, including septic infections. Patients who recently had knee injections for arthritis and suspect Sinvisc was used should follow up with their doctor immediately.
Have questions regarding what this means for you? Give leading New Jersey injury attorneys a call
If you or a loved one is affected by the Sanofi Genzyme recall of contaminated arthritis gel, we can help. The skilled New Jersey injury attorneys at Lomurro Law have more than 130 years combined experience on your side. We are knowledgeable and passionate about advocating for injured victims and we are available to meet with you for a free consultation to discuss your case. Contact our office at 732-482-9285 or online to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient office locations in Freehold or East Brunswick.
About Sinvisc-One
The injectable arthritis gel Sinvisc-One was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2009. The gel is made from a substance called hyaluronan, which is found in the joints of the human body. The company states that the hyaluronan used in Sinvisc-One is derived from chicken combs, which are the fleshy crests found on the top of chicken’s heads.
Sinvisc-One is designed to act as a shock absorber and lubricant when injected into the knee, thus relieving the pain associated with arthritis. Injections of the gel are typically administered by a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist. Sinvisc-One is expected to provide pain relief for arthritis sufferers for up to six months.
An American biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Sanofi Genzyme was acquired in 2011 by French company Sanofi and is now a fully owned subsidiary. Sanofi Genzyme reported the recall to the Food and Drug Administration and it is expected the FDA will post the recall online.