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As we've mentioned previously, prescription compounding has gotten a lot of attention due to microbiological contamination. Last year, a fungal meningitis outbreak--originating from epidural steroid injections from a compounding pharmacy in New England--killed 63 and sickened 749 others. This August, 15 patients at 2 hospitals have developed bacterial bloodstream infections after receiving calcium gluconate injections. The injections were supplied by Specialty Compounding in Cedar Park, Texas, and a recall has been issued. This new outbreak has reignited and intensified concerns.

In response to the Texas compounding issue, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Chief Executive Officer Paul W. Abramowitz, Pharm.D., Sc.D. (Hon.), stated: