DRUG LIABILITY
Heparin is a blood thinner prescribed to treat or prevent clotting complications and is most often given to dialysis patients and patients undergoing various forms of surgery. Heparin is also used to treat pulmonary and arterial embolism (obstruction of pulmonary artery and other arteries from blood clots), blood vessel and lung conditions, and to prevent other types of thrombosis (clotting of blood within the vascular system).
Heparin was first discovered in 1918 and by the late 1950s it had become the anti-coagulant of choice. In 2008, after Baxter Healthcare Corporation recalled several lots of its heparin products due to contamination, this drug was brought into the lime-light.
Heparin is administered to approximately 12 million patients each year in the United States. Of those 12 million patients it is estimated that up to five percent (600,000) develop heparin induced thrombocytopenia (“HIT”). Approximately one-half of those who develop HIT also develop thrombosis, a serious side effect that, if left untreated, can result in serious adverse effects. Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia with thrombosis is commonly referred to as “HITTS.” HITTS attacks platelets in the blood and produces the opposite result for which the heparin is being used; it causes rather than prevents clotting.
The ramifications of HITTS can be devastating, including internal clotting that can lead to heart attack, gangrene (decomposition of body tissue from blocked circulation throughout body) with resultant limb amputations, myocardial infarction (decomposition of heart tissue from blocked circulation into the heart), stroke, and death. Other severe results of HITTS include swelling, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis (“DVT”), organ failure, thromboembolism (blood clots) skin lesions at injection sites, limb ischemia, necrotic adrenal glands, acute inflammatory responses, extended hospitalizations, and other health-related issues.
Your Legal Rights
If you have been administered heparin and believe you have suffered HITTS or side-effects from Heparin, please fill out a free case evaluation form or contact us today at 1-800-955-0815 to speak with a Heparin attorney.
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