Heparin

Heparin is widely used as an injectable anticoagulant. Pharmaceutical grade heparin is derived from mucosal tissues of slaughtered meat animals, such as pig intestine or cow lung.

for medical use

acts as an anticoagulant, preventing the formation of clots and extension of existing clots within the blood. While does not break down clots that have already formed (unlike tissue plasminogen activator), it works to assist the body’s natural clot mechanisms in breaking down clots that have already formed. is used as an anticoagulant the following conditions:

  • Acute coronary syndrome, e.g., myocardial infarction
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism
  • Cardiopulmonary bypass for heart surgery.

and its derivatives (enoxaparin, dalteparin, and so forth) are effective at preventing deep-vein thromboses and pulmonary emboli in patients at risk,[1][2] but there is no evidence that they are effective at preventing .[3] Current guidelines recommend aspirin and leg stockings instead.[4]

Do you have a claim?

If you or your loved one has suffered a serious injury or as a result of contaminated heparin, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, and pain and suffering.

Please contact our heparin lawyers today by filling out the brief questionnaire, or by calling our toll free number (1-800-898-2034) for a free, no-cost, no-obligation legal evaluation of your case.

Latest News

Baxter faces numerous lawsuits over tainted heparin scandal

blood cells 100x100As many as 300 product-liability lawsuits may be filed in the Illinois state court against drug maker Baxter International Inc., by people injured by or families who lost loved ones to contaminated batches of the heparin. Per a judge’s order last year, attorneys are working to convert an aggregate lawsuit to individual claims against the Deerfield, Illinois-based drug company.

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Revised boxed warning placed on blood thinners

lovenox 100x100A group of blood thinners used to reduce the risk of deep vein blood clots in patients has updated their products’ safety labeling and revised the boxed warning to include a risk of epidural or spinal hemotomas in some patients, according to an announcement by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA places boxed warnings, also known as black box warnings, on drugs that, based on medical studies, carry a significant risk of serious adverse side effects or .

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FDA notifies public about changes to heparin potency

fda logo 100x100The heparin will now include a new reference standard and test method that is used to determine the potency of the drug and detect impurities that may be present in it, according to a safety alert issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The change is effective as of October 1, 2009, and will harmonize the USP unit dose with the WHO International Standard unit does, which will result in an approximately 10 percent reduction in the potency of the heparin marketed in the United States.

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