Heparin Side Effects

Baxter’s Heparin Linked to Severe Allergic Reactions

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There have been numerous reports of serious allergic reactions and patient deaths as a result of using contaminated Heparin manufactured by Baxter HealthCare Corporation. If you or a loved one suffered allergic reactions after Heparin was administered, you may benefit from speaking to a personal injury attorney.

Heparin is most commonly used to prevent blood clots in patients undergoing kidney dialysis and heart surgery. On 2/11/08, Baxter HealthCare Corp. announced that it would stop producing this product.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said that the problem was first reported to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in January by the Missouri Department of Heath and Senior Services, which, starting in November, had seen several cases in one pediatric hospital. Currently, the exact cause of the allergic reactions is still unknown.

The FDA however announced that the use of Heparin in multi-dose vials made by Baxter International Inc., has been tied to an allergic reaction which causes:

• A profound drop in blood pressure
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Death

Reactions can happen within a few seconds of the injection of the drug. This reaction is not the same as Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The FDA has reported that up to 21 deaths and 448 allergic reactions may be linked to the blood thinning product. It should be noted that other U.S. supplies of Heparin, most notably APP Pharmaceuticals, do not show contamination.

The source of this contamination is not absolutely known. Concern has arisen over irregularities in samples of Heparin that were processed by Baxter’s use of ingredients provided by a supplier in China. This contaminated Heparin contains a heparin-like ingredient that routine testing does not uncover. This contaminate was found in the problem drug but not found in batches of problem-free Heparin. It was high-tech testing that uncovered the heparin-like compound. The FDA is so concerned that later this week it will give manufacturers and other regulatory agencies worldwide instructions on how to check other heparin supplies to be sure the contaminant isn’t in remaining supplies.

PLEASE SPEAK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE DISCONTINUING THE USE OF HEPARIN OR ANY OTHER PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

Contact the Law Offices of d'Oliveria & Associates, P.C.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of the use of Heparin, you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney. A injury lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of Heparin may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions.

Please contact the law offices of d'Oliveira & Associates at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form for a free legal consultation.