Mark & Associates, P.C. Attorneys At Law

Heparin Recall

Blood-Thinner Baxter Heparin Recalled After Being Blamed for Dozens of Deaths and Hundreds of Injuries

Heparin, a blood thinner commonly used to prevent blood clotting in heart surgery patients and premature newborns, was pulled from pharmacy shelves in early 2008 after it was learned that the drug contained a counterfeit active ingredient supplied by a Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturer. At least 20 deaths and hundreds of injuries have been tied to the tainted heparin, which was made by Baxter International Inc.

The Food and Drug Administration began receiving reports of heparin-related deaths and injuries in January 2008, prompting the agency to warn physicians and health-care providers about prescribing the drug. A massive nationwide recall of Baxter heparin was announced in March 2008.

During their investigation into the heparin controversy, the FDA determined that the patient deaths and injuries likely were caused by a tainted, counterfeit ingredient made by a Chinese firm hired by Baxter. Instead of providing the proper, authentic active ingredient for the heparin, the Chinese firm had substituted a counterfeit agent – a decision that had deadly consequences. U.S. health officials later admitted that they had violated their own policies by failing to periodically inspect the Chinese facility both prior to and following approval of the drug for sale in this country.

Heparin is commonly administered to prevent blood clotting during surgeries and to prevent blood clots from developing in intravenous lines used to treat premature newborns. The drug is generally administered via a needle injection into the skin or delivered intravenously. Some patients may be unaware that heparin was used in their surgery.

Get Heparin Injury Legal Advice

If you or a loved one was injured by contaminated Baxter heparin, the experienced, aggressive personal injury attorneys at Mark & Associates can help. You may be entitled to receive financial compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering and other damages. To consult with an attorney, contact our law firm today by completing the case submission form on this page, or by calling 1-866-50-RIGHTS (1-866-507-4448).