Denver, CO 3/22/2008 4:39:33 AM
News / Health & Wellness

LegalView Updates Baxter Heparin Portal with Information on the Source of Contamination for the Recalled Blood-Thinning Drug

Denver, CO - LegalView recently reported that the source of contamination for a blood-thinning injectable drug potentially responsible for at least 19 deaths, is due to a Chinese manufacturer. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recalled the injectable drug, Baxter Heparin, used during surgical procedures such as dialysis and heart surgery after a string of allergic reactions among patients occurred. It was recently discovered and announced by the FDA that a manufacturer of the drug in China is responsible for the contamination that led to the Heparin recall after batches of the drug were found to contain a chemical - over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate.

Baxter Heparin, manufactured by The Baxter Healthcare Corporation, is used to thin and control blood during surgery. The drug has been used since the 1930s and is considered an imperative part of a surgical procedure by many surgeons as it lessens the risk of blood clot development. Heparin is derived from pig intestines and has been shipped to the United States for nearly a century. The recent rash of allergic reactions has compromised patient safety as approximately 785 patients who were given the injectable drug reported some kind of possible Heparin blood infection, which can include symptoms like shortness of breath.

An investigation is underway to determine if the over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate was intentionally used in the heparin or if it was accidental. According to news reports, the use of the over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate may have made production of the drug less expensive for the manufacturer. Individuals who have recently undergone a surgical procedure and may have been given the contaminated drug should contact a health professional to ensure safety. Additionally, it is advisable for these individuals to contact an experienced pharmaceutical law firm to learn about developing a
Heparin lawsuit and receiving potential compensatory damages.

In addition to the Heparin recall, LegalView.com offers additional resources on a variety of topics affecting millions of Americans each year. LegalView provides information portals on issues detailing topics like Avandia side effects, mesothelioma treatments or traumatic brain injury jury verdicts.

Avandia is an oral prescription drug given to patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. However, Avandia has been linked to several very serious conditions in patients prescribed the drug. Some of the
Avandia side effects can include an increased risk of heart disease or heart attack while taking the drug as well as an increased risk of osteoporosis development and bone fractures, according to studies submitted to the FDA.

Mesothelioma is an incurable form of lung cancer that is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers and asbestos dust. Millions of Americans are at risk to mesothelioma cancer as asbestos was used for insulation in homes, apartment complexes, schools, universities, office and government buildings and even some hospitals. It costs thousands of dollars to remove asbestos and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has outlined acceptable forms of removal, which must be followed. Individuals who suffer from mesothelioma cancer often go decades without knowing their condition, as symptoms take years to become recognizable and are often misdiagnosed because of the similarity to other preexisting conditions. While there is no cure for mesothelioma as of yet, there are
mesothelioma treatments being developed to prolong the effects of the disease. To learn more, visit http://mesothelioma.legalview.com/.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common conditions affecting Americans today. Millions of TBI incidents are reported each year and many are not reported by individuals who misconstrue a TBI accident as nothing more than a bump on the head. However, TBI is responsible for a lengthy list of side effects ranging from memory loss to social skill loss to nerve and limb paralysis. Individuals who have been involved in a brain injury should contact an experienced attorney for information on what is involved in a
brain injury lawsuit.

About LegalView:

LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at
www.LegalView.com.