Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca

October 5, 2012

Over the past several days there have been media reports about a rare form of fungal meningitis that has sickened patients across six states. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, all of the cases have been linked to spinal steroid injections involving a sealed vial of methylprednisolone acetate. In addition, the FDA also states the vials were distributed from the New England Compounding Center in Framingham Massachusetts.

Our pharmacy director, Mike Judd has been following developments immediately after this outbreak became public. He wants you to be assured that we do not stock compounded methylprednisolone. In addition, we have never done business with New England Compounding Pharmacy.

The purpose of my letter is to alleviate any concerns that may arise from the national news reports. As always, however, if you are concerned about your symptoms following any procedure at Cayuga Medical Center, do not hesitate to promptly contact your physician, or come to our Emergency Room for evaluation.

Sincerely,

David Evelyn, MD
Vice President For Medical Affairs