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Weitz & Luxenberg is now accepting cases from individuals who were injured after receiving contaminated injections of Sanofi Genzyme’s Synvisc-One arthritis gel.
Synvisc-One syringes contain an injectable gel that is indicated for the treatment of osteoarthritis pain in the knee. Sanofi Genzyme, which manufactures the products, voluntarily recalled more than 12,000 syringes that were potentially contaminated with bacteria distributed in the United States. The company received an unexpected number of adverse events regarding the syringes in the lot that was subsequently recalled.
Patients that received injections of the contaminated Synvisc-One syringes have reported adverse side effects that have required outpatient care such as joint aspirations and cortisone injections, visits to the emergency room, and in some cases, hospitalization.
Synvisc-One Indicated to Help Ease Arthritis Pain
Synvisc-One syringes contain hyaluronan, a substance derived from chicken combs. They are approved to provide lubrication in knee joints in an attempt to relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Voluntary Recall Due to Bacterial Contamination
On December 11, 2017, manufacturer Sanofi Genzyme issued a voluntary recall of Synvisc-One lot 7RSL021 after receiving an upsurge in adverse event reports and finding a microbial contamination. According to The Boston Globe, 12,380 syringes from the lot were distributed in the United States, across 36 states, between October 25 and November 7, 2017.
Sanofi Genzyme has only disclosed that the bacteria is gram-negative, but has not specified further, or offered information regarding the extent of the contamination. Gram-negative infections are notoriously hard to treat, as they are becoming resistant to many antibiotics.
Many adverse events have been reported to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding patients who were injected with the contaminated lot of Synvisc-One. Some patients have reported an inability to walk or bear weight and the long-term effects are still unclear.
Several patients have required outpatient procedures, such as cortisone injections or joint aspirations, in an attempt to correct the harm caused by the contaminated syringes. Other patient have been admitted to the emergency room or required hospitalization.
W&L Can Help Individuals Harmed by Contaminated Synvisc-One
Weitz & Luxenberg’s Drug & Medical Device Litigation Unit Practice Group Co-Chair Ellen Relkin says the firm is interested in hearing from individuals who received Synvisc-One injections from the recalled lot (7RSL021) and experienced injuries between October 25, when the recalled lot was first distributed, and December 18, 2017, a week after it was recalled. Patients may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs. An experienced attorney can help explore all legal options.
Ms. Relkin has helped thousands of patients injured by defective medical devices. She was part of the team that helped secure a $1 billion settlement with Stryker related to defects in its Rejuvenate and ABGII modular hip implants.
Weitz & Luxenberg is ready to assist you, beginning with a free consultation. Contact us at or by using the online form on this page to discuss your legal options.