Has anyone heard about the heparin recall?
Baxter Heparin Drug Recall and Patient Deaths On February 11, 2008, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) announced that the use of heparin in multi-dose vials made by Baxter International Inc., has been tied to an anaphylactic reaction which causes a profound drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing and sometimes vomiting. This reaction happens within a few seconds of the injection of the drug. This reaction is not the same as Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. The FDA has reported that up to 21 deaths and 448 allergic reactions may be linked to the blood thinning product. As of February 28, 2008, Baxter has expanded its recall to include single-dose vials and a diluted solution of heparin used to keep blood clots from forming in intravenous lines. The cause of the heparin injuries is currently unknown but the FDA and Baxter have begun examining Baxter manufacturing facilities. Concern has arisen over irregularities in samples of heparin that were processed by Baxter’s supplier
