Available as an injection or solution, heparin is a blood-thinning (anti-coagulant) medication used to treat blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), heart attacks (myocardial infarction), arrhythmias, and pulmonary embolisms. Heparin may also be administered to patients during heart surgery, blood transfusions, and dialysis procedures to prevent complications. Although it cannot break down blood clots that have already formed, heparin can prevent the development of future blood clots, thereby significantly lowering the chances that patients will develop life-threatening conditions, such as heart attack or stroke.
The Baxter HealthCare Corporation manufactures more than 50 percent of all heparin sold in the U.S.
Heparin Recall
Despite being effective at preventing blood clots, in January 2008, Baxter HealthCare recalled nine lots of heparin injections due to receiving approximately 350 reports from patients who were experiencing severely negative reactions, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction (which can trigger anaphylactic shock), and death.
Heparin was also recalled that same year in March due to reports that Scientific Protein Laboratories was knowingly importing contaminated batches of heparin (i.e., heparin that was over sulphated) in an effort to reduce costs.
Heparin Overdose
A number of heparin overdoses have occurred due to misleading packaging or medical professionals administering excessive amounts. Among the most notorious and widely publicized cases of heparin overdoses are those that have involved giving infants the adult doses of heparin, causing life-threatening complications.
Heparin Litigation
Should a heparin patient’s injuries result from heparin contamination, recalled heparin, or mistakes in dosing, injured parties will have a strong legal claim against the maker of their heparin and they can secure a settlement for their injuries and losses by starting and following through with heparin litigation.
Heparin Attorneys
Heparin defective drug lawyers encourage injured heparin patients to receive a professional evaluation of their case and get their case started at no upfront cost to them by attending a free initial consultation. Heparin attorneys are not only experienced at going up against corporate lawyers, but they are also highly familiar with case law associated with these lawsuits “ so they know what it takes to secure the maximum possible heparin settlement.
Heparin Injection Lawsuit Settlement
Though a heparin settlement will vary according to the nature and severity of a victim’s injuries, generally, heparin settlements seek to include compensation for victims’ medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, permanent disabilities, pain, and suffering.
If you or a loved one have used heparin and suffered from any side effect including allergic reaction, heart attack, or stroke, you should contact our defective drug lawyers immediately for a free and confidential case review. You may be entitled to compensation and we can help.
