Heparin

Heparin is an commonly used anticoagulant ( blood thinner) which is generally administered after surgery or given to patients on bed rest to prevent clotting.  However, recent studies have shown that vials of Heparin may have been contaminated.  Contaminated vials of heparin are causing severe reactions in patients, including shortness of breath, severe drops in blood pressure and even death.

In March of this year, the FDA announced that Baxter-made heparin had been contaminated at the Chinese facility where it was manufactured. The FDA is conducting an ongoing investigation.

Most of the serious adverse reactions to heparin occurred at kidney dialysis centers. Others with patients undergoing heart surgery or a specialized blood cell treatment called photopheresis.

The recall – and the issuance of a government public health advisory – came after hundreds of reports of adverse events in January 2008, far more than the typical number. There was concern that the problem occurred because of the possible use of a counterfeit ingredient made in China.

Some of the side effects noted are stomach pains vomiting, low blood pressure, chest pain, fast heart rate, fainting, flushing, headache, shortness of breath and bleeding tendencies. Other side effects included nausea, diarrhea, dizziness, unresponsiveness, drug ineffectiveness, burning sensation, redness or paleness of skin, abnormal sensation of the skin, mouth or lips, sweating, decreased skin sensitivity, restlessness and throat swelling.

After recalls in several countries, FDA officials asked all US Heparin producers to test the medication for contamination or counterfeit ingredients.

If you believe that you or someone close to you has been exposed to contaminated Heparin please feel to contact us for more information.

FDA officials announced after the Baxter International recall that they were asking all U.S. heparin producers to test the medication using two new procedures – nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and capillary electrophoresis, the only tests that can uncover whether heparin contains a possibly counterfeit ingredient.