Where and When Was Contaminated Heparin Given in the US?

How Do I Know If My Reaction Was Linked To Heparin?

Every patient that has been hospitalized in the last year wants to know where and when contaminated heparin was administered in the United States. Sadly, no one knows. To date, the most concrete information issued by the FDA suggests that contaminated vials may have been introduced to the market as early as 2006. However, the FDA notes that the majority of injuries have been reported between January 2007 and the recall in early 2008.

Patients who have experienced weird reactions after heparin use can only wonder what, (if any) effect did the heparin have on their body. This is especially true in the case of high-risk pregnant mothers who were given heparin regiments to prevent clotting and dialysis patients who have died instantly during treatment. Families are scared, and at the very least, they want answers.

My Personal Investigation Into Heparin Contamination

Like many people who have had a loved one mysteriously die this year or experience strange reactions after heparin use, I too have become very suspicious of the drug and the allergic reaction my mother had following her abdominal hysterectomy in 2007.

My mother came through the surgery with flying colors, but became strangely ill during the recovery process. During that time, it is believed she was given heparin to prevent blood clots while she was on bed rest. Shortly thereafter, she started experiencing chest pains, irregular heartbeat and a swollen throat that affected her ability to breathe. Consequently, she was hospitalized, given every test in the book, but the doctors could not figure out what was causing these serious reactions.

For months, she swore something happened during that surgery. She insisted to every doctor on her case that the surgeon must have left behind a sponge or a tool in her body that was making her sick. Needless to say, now our family is in the same boat as many of you in trying to figure out if contaminated heparin could have caused this problem.

What Do I Do If I Was Given Bad Heparin?

Based on my own personal experience with the heparin problem, I can tell you that people are calling product liability lawyers such as those in our firm. They want answers, they want explanations-but they just are not getting them from the FDA. As a result, these people turn to lawyers to help them investigate. Again, based on my own experience, I understand the desire to hold the drug companies accountable for the pain and suffering of a loved one. In my opinion, purposely including a deadly contaminant in heparin to save a buck is unacceptable and the Chinese and American manufacturers should have to pay for the harm it has caused our families.

As I have said before, if you or a loved one is a dialysis patient, a heart patient, or was placed on heparin during a high-risk pregnancy or during a period of bed rest, contaminated heparin may be to blame for serious reactions including swollen throat, shortness of breath, blood pressure problems, shock or death. Our firm is aggressively looking for answers and we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions regarding tainted heparin and the reactions it has caused in you or a loved one. Our nurse will evaluate your medical history to determine whether a link exists between your symptoms and contaminated heparin.

If you wish to speak to someone about this issue, call toll-free (856) 833-0600 in New Jersey, (215) 567-2380 in Pennsylvania. You can also fill out the case evaluation form on the right side of the page and our nurse will contact you as soon as possible.

Who Is Really To Blame For Contaminated Heparin?

I read an interesting post by a fellow blogger regarding the dangerous Chinese import saga. While I don”t entirely agree with his argument, I think his thoughts are worth re-printing in their entirety:

“Ask yourself this question, How important is the health, safety, and well being of my family?”

First it is toys from China being recalled because of various safety issues, but more specifically from lead in the paint. Now there is a recall on blood thinner [Heparin] manufactured in China, which is causing deaths in patients.

It is obvious in the Chinese quest for money it is willing to put our health and the health of our children at risk. When will the world community say acquiring cheap goods is not enough and demand quality in those goods? Do you support inhumane and unethical treatment of human beings just so you can by more “stuff”? The Chinese should be scrutinized and held to our safety and health standards.

ABC News reports, FDA Links More Deaths to Blood Thinner:

Heparin is derived from a mucous obtained from pig intestines and other animal tissues, often processed by small, unregistered workshops in China.

FDA determined last month that Baxter”s drug was contaminated with an unnatural chemical during production at a plant in China.

This in part is our own fault. Demanding a bargain, the willingness to look the other way, and greed. The Wal-Mart economic plan (cheap second rate goods), which many of Americans support is jeopardizing our safety and economy. When will your family”s well being become more important than getting a good deal? It is your greed which is driving the Chinese economy?”

Ouch. That”s a bit hard to swallow, yet there is a lot of truth to it. Obviously there is something that is hindering the American public from speaking out against dangerous imports. Could it very well be our desire for cheap “stuff”?

While I believe that may be true with regard to the recent influx of toxic toothpaste, dog food and lead paint toys from China, I think the Heparin recalls fall outside of that box. My personal opinion is that most Americans feel helpless against the pharmaceutical giants (such as Baxter) who practically play puppet master with our politicians. They have an endless amount of resources, a tremendous amount of clout and because of this people just give up and accept whatever they dish out.

I just read an article about the rise in Heparin deaths by journalist Stanley Bing. Sadly, he decided to name his article “More Good News For Lawyers”.. Apparently, what he doesn”t realize is that people depend on trial lawyers for help when things like this happen. It is our job to take on these giants when they unleash their garbage (ex Heparin, Vioxx) on the public. Without the ability to file a lawsuit and affect the only thing that matters to these companies (i.e. their money), nothing will change and the despair will continue.

There needs to be some fear instilled in these drug companies. They need to realize that if they fail to keep the American public safe, there will be consequences. There will be lawsuits filed and they will loose a ton of money. It”s just that simple–and it”s our only hope.

For further information, click on the following links below:

Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Information

Heparin Deaths Jump From 19 to 62 According to FDA

The FDA announced this week that 62 deaths have now been linked to the blood-thinning drug, Heparin. This new estimate is almost triple the 19 fatalities reported last month. The drug, which is generally used in patients with heart problems and those undergoing surgery, is believed to be contaminated with man-made oversulfated chondroitin.

This contaminant is said to mimic chondroitin sulfate, which is a naturally occurring substance derived from animal cartilage and used to treat arthritis. While the FDA is still investigating the matter, it appears that the tainted animal cartilage containing oversulfated chondroitin has come from unregulated mom and pop pig farms in China.

I hope people are finally starting to notice a trend here. Chinese manufacturers have been the common denominator in the recent influx of dangerous imports, including contaminated toothpaste, dog food, and lead paint toys. Even more frightening, however, is the fact that the FDA will not completely recall the batches of contaminated Heparin out of fear the hospitals will experience a shortage. Based on that fact, I don’t see this issue going away anytime soon- especially if the FDA continues to allow Chinese manufacturers to operate below the regulation standards imposed in the U.S.

We will continue to post information on the Heparin recalls as they occur, so check back regularly for any new developments.

Mininno Law Office