Dangerous Drug Alert – Heparin

Dangerous Drug Alert – Heparin

This is a special posting to alert you to a life-threatening defect in HEPARIN, a medication manufactured by Baxter International.

What is Heparin?

Heparin is a blood thinner that helps prevent blood clots. It is injected into the bloodstream of patients undergoing:

• Kidney dialysis
• Heart surgery
• Treatment for deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli

What is the Danger?

Recently, medical professionals discovered that heparin manufactured by Baxter International was contaminated by a dangerous chemical. Hundreds of patients already suffered life-threatening reactions shortly after receiving the defective heparin. These severe reactions included:

• Drastic drop in blood pressure (refractory hypotension)
• Organ failure
• Organ damage
• Shock
• Death

Why Did the Defective Chemical Get Into Baxter Heparin?

Federal officials are actively investigating the reasons for the contamination. At a Congressional hearing on April 15, 2008, the FDA Commissioner testified that Baxter International imported the main ingredient in heparin from a China. Although this ingredient was supposed to come from pig intestines, Baxter's foreign supplier used a cheaper substance, which turned out to be toxic.

What Are Your Legal Rights?

If you or a loved one were administered heparin in 2007 or 2008 and suffered any of the severe reactions listed above, then you may have been the victim of defective Baxter heparin, we want to help protect your legal rights.

If you or a loved one were already injured by Baxter HEPARIN, you need to protect your legal rights. Please call us in confidence at 1-800-411-1498 to get a free legal consultation immediately.