Heparin is used in medicine as an anti-coagulant; that is, it stops blood from clotting. Because of this effect, the drug is often used to prevent blood or plasma clotting in or on medical devices such renal dialysis machines.
In March 2008, the FDA announced major recalls of heparin imported from China due to contamination. Today, families of victims who died from exposure to contaminated heparin while undergoing dialysis testified before a Congressional subcommittee investigating the recall. The subcommittee also heard from Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, who indicated that initial evidence shows the contamination was intentional, and not a manufacturing mistake.
The Washington and Oregon medication error lawyers at D’Amore & Associates help clients and their families obtain compensation for injury resulting from being prescribed the wrong drug, or from drug side effects.
