Heparin: What are the safer alternatives?

In terms of anticoagulants, Heparin has literally ruled the roost for over 70 years, being the most popularly prescribed drug used in hospitals. In 2007, the medical world received a jolt when the product was recalled due to contamination. Since then, allegations and reports have been surfacing about the FDA's failure to inspect the pharmaceutical plant set-up in China. There have also been 785 serious injuries and 81 deaths as a result of the contaminated drug.

Naturally many people are now looking for an alternative to Heparin. The good news is that researchers are already on the job. After all, the increase in an elderly population as well as vascular intervention means that there should be more anticoagulants available in the market.

Lepirudin is one such alternative which has proven to be effective in treating patients with HAAb. It was also approved by the FDA for the treatment of HIT, though it has also proven to be effective in renal replacement therapy and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.

Warfarin Sodium is an anticoagulant that can be taken orally but it has a number of risks, including hemorrhaging at certain concentrations. It also requires frequent monitoring. Another oral alternative is Ximelagatran which seemed to be very effective but has since been withdrawn due to issues with toxicity. Researchers are currently looking into direct thrombin inhibition as a method of anticoagulation. In any case, it is just a matter of time before an alternative is found.

Hopefully, patients won't have to deal with issues like the Heparin fiasco in future.

Study Confirms Contaminated Heparin Problem

The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) recently published an article about a study done by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that the heparin recall was justified as it was contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS).

The study focuses on more than 150 adverse reactions to the contaminated heparin. The adverse reactions included shortness of breath, hypotension, and nausea and happened within 30 minutes of taking the heparin.

If you or a loved one have experienced adverse side effects or died from contaminated heparin, contact a wrongful death lawyer immediately before the statute of limitations run out.