Heparin, a blood thinner, is linked to devastating side effects. If you or someone you love has experienced medical problems as a result of taking Heparin, you may be eligible to recover compensation, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact The Voss Law Firm today to get in touch with caring and experienced Heparin lawyers. Our expert pharmaceutical lawyers will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and help you understand your legal rights, including the filing of a Heparin lawsuit.
WHAT IS HEPARIN
Heparin is a blood thinner derived from pig intestine. It is used as an anticoagulant, which means to reduce blood clotting. The drug can be administered by deep subcutaneous injection (in the arm or abdomen) or intravenously (through the veins). Heparin is used during heart surgeries, kidney dialysis and blood transfusions. In addition, it is used to treat the following:
* blood vessel conditions
* heart conditions
* lung conditions
* disseminated intravascular coagulation¹
Heparin may be used in more ways than what is listed above.
HEPARIN SIDE EFFECTS
Heparin has been associated with very harmful side effects, including hypotension (very low blood pressure) and intracranial bleeding (aneurysm of the intracranial artery within the skull). Both can cause death.
Other dangerous Heparin side effects that must be reported to your doctor, even if you are no longer taking the drug include:
* Black, tarry stools
* Bleeding gums
* Blood in the urine or stools
* Pain in the chest, groin, or legs, especially calves of legs
* Pinpoint red spots on the skin
* Severe headaches of sudden onset
* Sudden loss of coordination
* Sudden shortness of breath for no apparent reason
* Sudden slurred speech
* Sudden vision changes
* Unusual bleeding or bruising
* Vomiting
* Dizziness
According to the MayoClinic.com site, "It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits after you leave the hospital for any problems or unwanted effects that may be caused by this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments."
FDA WARNING
The blood thinner Heparin had been the subject of a batch recall due to a contaminant that caused approximately 80 deaths. Heparin side effects continue to be reported by the Food and Drug Administration.
Heparin lawsuits were inevitable considering the problems surrounding the drug.
April 2010, the FDA advised doctors of less potency. Doctors are advised against using "Old Heparin" and "New Heparin" interchangeably due to "New Heparin" "has 10% less anticoagulant activity."
In May 2009 Wall Street Journal online reported that Heparin caused two patient deaths and one patient illness in a Delaware hospital. The Heparin symptom in this case was intracranial bleeding.
February 2008, Heparin was a part of a recall due to a contaminated ingredient received from China, which was bought by Pfizer Pharmaceuticals and supplied to Baxter International, Inc., the maker Heparin. According to the FDA, "the adverse events have included allergic or hypersensitivity-type reactions, with symptoms such as low blood pressure, angioedema, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain."
Heparin Has Been Associated With Very Harmful Side Effects, Including Hypotension (very low blood pressure) And Intracranial Bleeding (aneurysm of the intracranial artery within the skull). Both Can Cause Death.
The Voss Law Firm, P.C. represents clients on a local, national and international basis. We proudly serve companies and individuals along the Gulf Coast and around the globe on a contingency fee basis. Our law firm collects nothing unless we recover on our client's behalf.
