Is Baxter International’s Heparin a Dangerous Drug?

What is Heparin and does it pose a serious risk to health? Possibly, and if you have taken Heparin you may have a product liability lawsuit on your hands. Drugs.com states that Heparin is an anticoagulant (anti-clotting) drug that theoretically helps to stop the formation of blood clots in patients. It is also called a blood thinner. By design, it is supposed to treat and prevent blood clots from appearing in a person's veins, lungs or arteries. It is also used before some types of surgeries for the same reason.

Doctors are advised to not prescribe this drug if a patient suffers from high blood pressure, a heart infection, hemophilia, a stomach disorder or liver disease. The drug also poses a threat to women on their cycle as well as pregnant women. Here are also several other conditions that may prompt a special dosage of this medication, if it is to be used at all.

Heparin is taken through needle injection into a person's vein. There is little chance for patient abuse in most situations. This is a drug that a doctor, nurse or another healthcare professional will directly administer to the patient. In some cases, the doctor can give instructions on how to take the drug at home.

Recently the FDA issued a public warning regarding this anti-clotting drug. NewsInferno.com reports that the FDA no longer believes Baxter International's Heparin to be safe, as it was implicated in the sudden illnesses of hundreds of patients and the deaths of at least four. Just a few days before the FDA made the announcement, Baxter International stopped production on "multiple-dose vials of injectable Heparin."

There have been multiple lawsuits filed against Baxter International in 2009 and more are expected to follow in the coming months. The Southeast Texas Record Journal reported the case of Tracey and Brian Underwood from Texarkana, Texas. Tracy states she was given "multiple vials of contaminated Heparin and as a result developed superior vena cava syndrome." The plaintiffs are claiming that the drug was "intentionally contaminated to raise profits." The causes of action filed against the manufacturer include "negligence, manufacturing defect, and design defect, breach of implied and express warranties."

If you have used Heparin and are experiencing unusual or concerning side effects then you may be entitled to a product liability lawsuit. This anti-clotting drug is no longer considered safe by the federal government until more testing can be done. In the meantime, you may be able to get compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering or wrongful death damages, depending on your circumstances.

You never know until you talk to an experienced attorney regarding the specific details of your case. Do not take your doctor's word about any situation regarding Heparin. A doctor is never going to admit negligence, nor will they necessarily indict the manufacturer as the guilty party. This is something only you and a lawyer can discuss.

Contact the Rasansky Law Firm for more information on your drug recall case. Make sure that your Heparin-related injuries are not blamed entirely on you, when they could well be the fault of Baxter International. Call 1-877-405-4313 or complete our form for a free consultation.