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Heparin Drug

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Heparin is an injectable medication that, when administered intravenously, is effective at preventing the formation of new blood clots. While heparin can't break down blood clots that have already formed, this drug is an effective anticoagulant used to treat:

• Acute coronary syndrome, a condition marked by chest pain, shortness of breath and/or heart palpitations
• Atrial fibrillation, irregular heartbeats affecting the top two chambers of the heart
• Deep vein thrombosis, blood clots that get lodged in the body's deep veins (especially in the legs)
• Peripheral arterial embolism, blood clots in the large arteries of the arms and/or legs
• Pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition in which blood clots lodge in the lungs and significantly impede breathing and re-oxygenation of the blood

Heparin may also be prescribed following surgery (particularly heart surgeries) or for those enduring prolonged bed rest, as each of these instances puts patients at a higher risk of developing blood clots.

Heparin Drug Side Effects

The heparin drug has been linked to a number of severe side effects, including:

• alopecia, hair loss
• hemorrhage, excessive bleeding
• heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys blood platelets (If left untreated, HIT can result in stroke, heart attack, pulmonary embolism and death.)
• hyperkalemia, dangerously high levels of potassium in the blood (If left untreated, this condition can result in potentially fatal arrhythmias.)
• osteoporosis, loss of bone density that increases the susceptibility to fractures
• priapism, erections in absence of sexual desire

Serious, potentially fatal heparin drug side effects are most likely to occur when too much of the drug is taken.

Heparin Drug Interactions

Additionally, heparin may cause negative drug interactions when taken in conjunction with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), including:

• diclfenac
• diflunisal
• etodolac
• flurbiprofen
• ibuprofen
• indomethacin
• ketorolac
• nabumetone
• naproxen

Use of any of the above medications while taking heparin can significantly increase the likelihood of excessive bleeding.

To minimize the chances of developing serious heparin side effects, it's vital that patients:

• Discuss their full medical history with their doctor before starting a course of heparin drugs.
• Avoid taking the above-listed medications when using heparin.
• Understand the types and symptoms of heparin side effects so they know when to seek emergency medical attention.

Heparin Drug Recall

To date, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued two heparin drug recalls:

• In December 2007, the FDA recalled heparin due to possible contamination from the Serratia marcescens bacteria (Infections resulting from this bacteria can cause fatal injuries and/or death.)

• In March 2008, the FDA issued a second heparin drug recall for all medication produced in China, as much of this stock was "over-sulphated."

Heparin Lawsuits

Patients injured after taking the heparin drug, as well as families of deceased heparin patients, will be entitled to compensation for their injuries by pursuing a heparin lawsuit.

To find out if they have a case, prospective plaintiffs should set up an initial consultation with an experienced heparin lawyer. During this meeting, affected individuals can:

• Learn more about the process of building and winning heparin lawsuits
• Get estimates regarding possible heparin lawsuits, based on past cases similar to their own
• Decide whether they want to file an individual lawsuit or join a class action case, based on their specific needs and unique situations

Heparin attorneys offer these consultations for free and work on contingency to encourage injured patients to stand up for their legal rights and seek out the compensation they need and deserve.

If You Have Been Injured by Heparin

Have you or a loved one been injured after taking Heparin? If so, contact us to speak with an experienced Heparin attorney who specializes in drug recall litigation & lawsuits. Let us help you win the compensation you need and deserve.