Heparin
What is Heparin?
Heparin is a blood thinner. It is used to treat and prevent blood clots in the veins, arteries or lungs. Heparin is commonly used before certain types of surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and in kidney patients before they undergo dialysis. In some situations, Heparin treatment is initiated using a high bolus dose given directly into the bloodstream (intravenously) over a short period of time, usually less than one hour. The reported adverse events occurred in patients who were given Heparin in this form of administration. There are many other uses of Heparin involving lower doses or administration over a longer period of time; adverse events have not been seen with those uses.
The FDA reports that in February 2008, Baxter Healthcare Corporation recalled multi-dose and single-dose vials of heparin sodium for injection, as well as HEP-LOCK heparin flush products. After launching a far-ranging investigation, FDA scientists identified a previously unknown contaminant in the heparin. The agency is continuing to aggressively investigate the situation.
April 21, 2008 the FDA updated the report of known deaths associated with the use of Heparin to include 81 deaths in the United States. Hundreds of other patients worldwide have also suffered adverse reaction linked to the contaminated Heparin.
The FDA sent a warning letter on Monday, April 21, 2008 to Changzhou SPL, identifying production problems including use of unclean tanks to make Heparin, raw materials received from an unacceptable vendor and no adequate way to remove impurities. Heparin is derived from the mucous membranes of the intestines of slaughtered pigs that are often cooked in unregulated family workshops in China.
Always ask your Doctor about any concerns you may have if you are using Heparin before discontinuing any medications.
If you or a loved one has suffered any of the above symptoms or you suspect a death has occurred after surgery from the use of Heparin, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to help you.
We Can Help!
Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC is a national law firm covering all fifty states as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and all American possessions. No matter where you live, we will have an experienced personal injury attorney represent you.
If you or someone you love has suffered serious side effects when using Heparin, you may be entitled to a large compensatory award. Call us now at 1-800-RESULTS (1-800-737-8587). Or Email us for more information.
No Recovery, No Fee!
We know most people can't afford high, hourly legal fees. That's why we work on a contingency basis. This means you won't pay anything, unless we recover money for you.
Email us or call us today at 1-800-RESULTS.
"THE RESPECT YOU DEMAND. THE RESULTS YOU DESERVE."®
Balkin & Eisbrouch, LLC
A National Law Firm
"Making Things Right For Over 35 Years"
