Heparin Information

Provided by Defective Drug Attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP

Heparin is a blood-thinner used by physicians to help treat blood clots that are found in the veins, arteries and lungs. Adverse effects from the drug are very dangerous and Heparin overdoses can be fatal. Commonly, Heparin is administered before heart surgery or kidney dialysis. In addition to administering the prescription drug, various medical devices are coated with the prescription drug.

Heparin works by accelerating an anti-clotting protein in the body, which decreases the ability of the blood to clot naturally. The active ingredient in Heparin is derived from pig intestines. It is commonly imported from locations outside the United States. All lots of Heparin manufactured by Baxter International were recalled in 2008 due to contamination from products imported from China.

Heparin overdoses are extremely dangerous, especially to newborn infants. In many neonatal intensive care units, Heparin is administered to infants to help prevent blood clotting from I.V. lines. Infant deaths have been linked to Heparin overdoses in many hospitals around the country. A July 2008 incident of Heparin overdose was linked to a hospital mix-up which resulted in two deaths.

Baby Heparin overdoses can result in life-long devastation. If your child has become seriously ill or suffered from a fatality due to a Heparin overdose, contact one of our Heparin overdose attorneys at Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP for a free consultation.