Whilst assessing Clinical Trials and Products Liability Insurance risks in the Life Science Industry, its a fairly common assumption that the risks associated with taking prescription drugs, undergoing surgical procedures or using medical devices, to be significantly higher than taking Over The Counter medicines.
This latest CDC warning provides us with a clear reminder that any product has the potential to cause serious harm in extenuating circumstances.
Eleven developed eye infections, at least three of whom were blinded in one eye. Others had respiratory infections or urinary tract infections. One person died when the bacterium entered the bloodstream. It is unclear whether the affected patients had underlying eye conditions that would have made them more susceptible, such as glaucoma or cataracts. Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria are commonly found in water and soil and even on the hands of otherwise healthy people. Infections usually occur in hospital settings among people with weakened immune systems.
