Contaminated heparin problems caused by fraud
The FDA’s top official told a Senate subcommittee today that he believes the recent heparin problems which have injured and killed people throughout the United States, was likely done for economic reasons. A fake ingredient found in contaminated heparin is a cheaper, yet chemically similar to the active ingredient in the blood thinner. Somewhere along the production chain, a decision was made to place profits before the safety and health of thousands of people, and the suppliers and manufacturers now face heparin lawsuits which are being filed on behalf of individuals who have suffered severe allergic reactions or hypotension.
The comments were made by FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenback, during a Senate Appropriations Committee agriculture subcommittee hearing. Although the drug regulation agency is not investigating the motive behind the heparin contamination, the top official stated: “It was apparently, we suspect, done by virtue of economic fraud.”
Following a spike in reports of heparin problems which began to surface late last year, the FDA identified a fake ingredient in the blood thinner which was produced in China. As a result, a Baxter heparin recall was issued earlier this year, removing half of the countries supply of the blood thinner from the market. Investigators found that the contaminated heparin contained oversulfated chondroitin sulfate, which is an altered version of an ingredient typically used as a dietary supplement.
The contaminated heparin ingredients were supplied by Scientific Protein Laboratories, which has production plants in the United States and China. All of the contaminated heparin appears to have been produced at the facility in China, which processes the crude material into the active ingredient.
CONTAMINATED HEPARIN LAWSUITS
The lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are reviewing potential lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have experienced problems from contaminated heparin which resulted in death or serious injury. The FDA has received 62 reports of death from allergic reactions associated with the contaminated heparin since January 2007. If you, a friend or family member have suffered heparin problems, request a free consultation and claim evaluation.
1 Comment • Add Your Comments
Sandra says:
I lost my husband in August 2004 after open heart surgery. He came through the surgery with flying colors and came home in only 4 days. He did so well at home that he didn’t even need pain medication. From the first day he would have a spell where his eyes would roll back in head, he would loose consciouness and stop breathing. When we would shout at him to breathe he would seem to come out of it. This happened every day and sometimes more than once. We called the doctor but he said he had no idea what that could be. On his 4th day home he was complaining of pain and having a hard time breathing. By midnight he was wanting to go to the hospital and by 2 a.m. he was dead. I have wondered if this could have been due to the heparin. The medical examiner put possible blood clot on this death certificate. I don’t know why I have had this business about heparin on my mind since I heard about it.
Posted on April 29, 2008 at 5:24 pm