Heparin can be scary stuff….
Today’s Wall Street Journal reports that the maker of Heparin, Baxter International Inc., has temporarily stopped productions. This is the company’s response to 350 possible reactions to the drug which has caused death, kindey failure etc.. (or so they say).
Heparin is most often used in cardiac and orthopedic sugeries, post op – to prevent blood clots. We see it used frequently to prevent blood clots that are forming as well. It is injected, typically, and can cause a rare but potential reaction called heparin induced thrombocytopenia.
Interestingly, the company has halted production, but has not recalled products from the shelves. Ask your doctor if a low-molecular weight medication might be used instead…