More Heparin Blood-Thinner Meds Recalled

The manufacturer of blood-thinning medication heparin is recalling most of its heparin products after an increase in the number of patient deaths potentially linked to the drugs. Baxter International is expanding a recall originally announced on January 17, 2008, and is withdrawing all remaining doses of its multi-dose heparin sodium injection, single-dose vials, and HEP-LOCK heparin flush products. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that the underlying cause of "adverse events" related to Baxter's heparin sodium is still unknown and is under investigation. The New York Times reports that federal investigators had found "'potential deficiencies' at a Chinese plant that supplied much of the active ingredient for the drug," and that deaths possibly linked to heparin have risen from 4 to 21.

• Expanded Recall of Heparin Products (FDA)
• Blood Thinner Might Be Tied to More Deaths (N.Y. Times)
• Heparin Recall Information from Baxter
• Blood Thinner Heparin Linked to Serious Allergic Reactions (FindLaw's Common Law Blog)
• Defective and Dangerous Products (FindLaw)