Baxter Heparin – Baxter – Heparin

Baxter heparin multi-dose vials have been recalled after hundreds of patients suffered serious side effects, which included vomiting, sudden drop in blood pressure, nausea, and difficulty in breathing. At least four deaths have been linked to this drug.

Baxter Heparin - A Cause Of Serious Health Problems
Till recently, Baxter heparin made up roughly 50 percent of the heparin injections used in USA. In March, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reported that it had found oversulfated chondroitin sulfate in the samples of heparin manufactured by Baxter. They also reported that since end of 2007, there had been 350 reported health problems that had been linked to heparin manufactured by Baxter. 40% of these problems were deemed serious.

Serious Side Effects
It has been found that after some patients were administered Baxter heparin injections, they experienced extreme allergic reactions. In some cases, the reactions proved fatal. Some of the allergic reactions that patients experienced include difficulty in breathing, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and rapidly falling blood pressure. At least four people have been reported to have died.

The FDA reported that the problems were mainly reported in patients who received high doses of Baxter Heparin over a short period of time. Also the problem was mainly found with the multi-dose vials. Upon investigation, FDA found that the Chinese plant that supplied the active ingredient in heparin had not been inspected by the agency.

Heparin is a blood thinner that is administered in surgery and other critical care situations to prevent clots. It is also known as heparin sodium. It is usually administered to patients undergoing dialysis and heart surgery. People who are bedridden are also administered heparin. The drug acts as a blood thinner and thereby helps in preventing the formation of clots. In a situation where a patient already has clots, heparin allows the body’s natural mechanisms to work normally so that the clots can be broken down. As of today, Baxter has stopped the production of Baxter heparin multi-dose vials pending further investigation.