Baxter Heparin Recall – Update

Baxter International Inc. has announced the recall of all remaining, potential lethal doses of its heparin products including its possibly defective:

• Sodium injection multi-dose
• Single-dose vials
• HEP-LOCK heparin flush

This completes the series of heparin recallsTennessee Law Blog has been covering.

The first Baxter heparin recall was made in January when it recalled nine lots of heparin sodium injection multi-dose vials. This came after a number of reports of patient reactions and side-effects.

FDA officials refused to take further action at the time out of fear a total recall would create product shortages of the blood thinner, which is need in operating rooms, dialysis centers, and other areas of critical care.

FDA officials and Baxter now consider the supply of safe heparin sufficient to remove possibly lethal Baxter heparin from market, including all remaining heparin sodium injection and heparin flush products.

Reported adverse reactions include stomach pain and discomfort, burning sensations, nausea, diarrhea, and faintness/shortness of breath. The defective heparin has also been known to to be entirely ineffective, causing serious side-effects. Confirmed cases also show that the defective Baxter heparin has caused death. Most Baxter heparin deaths have come from allergic reactions and occur within minutes of heparin-initiation.

Note: This recall does not involve Baxter’s heparin pre-mix IV solutions in bags: heparin sodium in 5% dextrose injection and heparin sodium in 0.9% sodium chloride injection.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by Baxter’s defective heparin, contact HHP today to begin the process of forcing Baxter to take responsibly for the injuries it has caused from its defective drugs.

Click for a free consultation with a Nashville dangerous drug attorney.