Dangerous Drugs -- Heparin

Heparin is a blood thinning drug used in surgery, dialysis and to prevent blood clots for those who are bedridden. Recently, Heparin came under major scrutiny due to a large number of experienced adverse side effects. Two of the major providers of the drug recalled multiple lots of the drug. If you believe you havebeen affected by this dangerous drug, please call the medical malpractice lawyers at the Anderson Law Firm in Fort Worth, Texas.

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Just before Christmas in 2007, AM2 PAT, Inc. (also known as Sierra Pre-Filled) recalled one lot of pre-filled Heparin flush syringes. It was confirmed a month later that the lot was contaminated with a rare bacteria known as Serratia marcescens. As a result, the FDA announced a nationwide recall of all Heparin manufactured by AM2 PAT, Inc.

Symptoms associated with the bacterial contaminated lot of AM2 PAT, Inc. Heparin include:

nausea
fever
chills
vomiting
and other general signs of infection
some of these cases have lead to severe injury and even death.

Baxter Healthcare Corporation is another major manufacturer of Heparin. Between January and February of 2008, Baxter recalled all of the lots of the drug it produced due to reports of side-effects including:

abdominal pain
decreased blood pressure
chest pain
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
abnormal skin sensations

After an investigation in March, 2008, the FDA identified the contaminant in Baxter's Heparin as over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate-a common and inexpensive dietary supplement, which is derived from animals. The supplement was supplied to Baxter by the Scientific Protein Laboratories in Wisconson, and mimics Heparin when it's chemically altered. Ultimately, the contaminant was traced as far back as a manufacturing plant in China.

As of April of 2008, over 60 possible contaminated-Heparin deaths have been reported to the FDA. Baxter manufactured approximately 50 percent of the Heparin used in the U.S.

General reactions to Heparin and side effects have included any or all of the following:

low blood pressure
shortness of breath
increased heart rate
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
burning sensations
abnormal skin sensations
abdominal pain
chest pain
fainting
dizziness
unresponsiveness
drug ineffectiveness
redness or paleness of skin
headache

Heparin manufacturers have admitted that these effects can be severe or life-threatening.

If you or someone you know was hospitalized, died or is currently experiencing any of the above side effects, please call the Anderson Law Firm for a free consultation at 817-294-1900 or Contact Us Online.

Other Articles You Might Be Interested In:
Dangerous Drug and Devices
Failure to Diagnose
The Risks of Dangerous & Harmful Drugs and Devices
Beware of Lawsuit Loan Companies
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Mark Anderson has been practicing personal injury law since 1991 and is recognised as one of the best attorneys in his field.

Mark is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization – a distinction held by fewer than 2% of Texas lawyers. He was selected as a life member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum as recognition for his success in recovering compensation for his clients. He has been honored with the prestigious AV Rating by the Martindale Hubbard System and has been rated 10/10 (the highest level possible) by the AVVO Rating System which ranks attorneys based on experience, conduct and industry recognition. Mark was selected as a Top Personal Injury Attorney by Fort Worth Magazine in 2009 and 2010.

For more information about Mark, see his biography.

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