The Cochran Firm Legal Blog

In 2008 there was a series of reports about Baxter's Heparin. Heparin is a blood thinner used during kidney dialysis and heart surgery, and Baxter Healthcare's pre-filled vials were associated with severe allergic reactions and about 80 deaths. Baxter recalled the drug and after investigating, they discovered that a production plant in China had used an inappropriate chemical - oversulfated chondroitin.

The first recall occurred in January, 2008 when nine lots of multi-dose heparin vials were recalled. In February Baxter expanded the recall and stopped production of heparin entirely.

A number of lawsuits were filed and all federal lawsuits have been consolidated in a multidistrict litigation (MDL). Pretrial proceedings are being conducted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Baxter Denies Current Heparin Problem
At Beebe Medical Center in Delaware, two patients have died and a third is having serious complications after being given Baxter heparin from pre-mixed bags through an intravenous (IV) line.

On May 8 of this year, Baxter and the FDA were both contacted by Beebe Medical Center and asked to verify the heparin's purity. On May 15, Baxter International released a statement reporting that they had conducted tests and confirming that the heparin contained no contaminants that could explain the Beebe incidents.

The general manager of Baxter Pharmaceuticals & Technologies, which is part of Baxter's Medication Delivery business stated: "Following extensive product testing and further medical evaluation, we are confident that the events at Beebe Medical Center are unfortunate, isolated, institution-specific issues, unrelated to the quality of Baxter's heparin premix product."

Defective drugs too often cause severe illness and death and we will be watching the progress of this current Baxter heparin situation. If you or a loved one have suffered from stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, breathing difficulties, low blood pressure or dizziness after being given heparin, you may have a valid legal claim.

Please call or email our defective product attorneys today to schedule a free case evaluation.

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