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.
Heparin for medical use
Heparin acts as an anticoagulant, preventing the formation of clots and extension of existing clots within the blood. While heparin 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. Heparin 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.
Heparin 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 death.[3] Current guidelines recommend aspirin and leg stockings instead.[4]
Do you have a heparin claim?
If you or your loved one has suffered a serious injury or death 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.
External References
- ^Enoxaparin plus compression stockings compared with compression stockings alone in the prevention of venous thromboembolism after elective neurosurgery
- ^Duration of prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism with enoxaparin after surgery for cancer
- ^Heparin, low molecular weight heparin and physical methods for preventing deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism following surgery for hip fractures
- ^Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism
Certain lots of the blood thinner 
A 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 death.