Baxter Heparin Recall - All lots recalled

Baxter has recalled all lots of blood thinner Heparin after recalling only nine lots in January of 2008.

The announcement, which came in February of this year, voluntarily recalls all remaining lots of the anti coagulant.

According to a Baxter's website, "the FDA and Baxter concluded that removing additional lots and doses of Baxter's heparin from the market earlier would have created more risk to patients requiring heparin therapy than the increased potential for experiencing an adverse reaction"

With the recall, there is an expected shortage of blood thinner products for hospitals, operating rooms and dialysis centers. However, Baxter and FDA believe there is sufficient supplies from other vendors to cover current needs.

Adverse reactions to Heparin have included stomach pain or discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased or low blood pressure, chest pain, fast heart rate, dizziness, fainting, unresponsiveness, shortness of breath, the feeling of a strong or rapid heartbeat, drug ineffectiveness, burning sensation, redness or paleness of skin, abnormal sensation of the skin, mouth or lips, flushing, increased sweating, decreased skin sensitivity, headache, feeling unwell, restlessness, watery eyes, throat swelling, thirst, bleeding tendencies and difficulty opening the mouth. Some of these reactions, particularly profound and refractory hypotension, may be severe or life-threatening.

Customers of Heparin, which is a presription only product, have been requested to cease using the product and return to Baxter.

Baxter can be found on the web at www.baxter.com