It is vitally important at all times to understand the treatments that you are getting and the medication that you are being given in the hospital. Knowing what you are getting, when you are supposed to get it, and how much you are supposed to get of your medications will mean that you can spot mistakes before they become serious, and that you will understand exactly how you are being taken care of.

This understanding is critically important when it comes to medications like heparin sodium, which has actually experienced a voluntary recall of nine batches recently. These batches, which were manufactured by the Baxter Healthcare company, seem to have caused adverse reactions in patients receiving a bolus dose, which is described as a large dose of the heparin sodium over a very short period of time.

Medical safety is important. Ask your doctor the following questions before taking any medications:

• What company manufactures the drug?
• Will someone contact me in the case of a recall?
• What side effects should I expect?
• What problems have been noted in the past?
• How long has this drug been on the market?
• How often should I take this medication?
• How much should I take at once?
• What should I do if I accidentally take more than recommended?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?

Healthcare workers are being advised to use other anticoagulants or to use products other than the Baxter products if at all possible, and to administer heparin doses in as small amounts as possible over time rather than in larger doses all at once. Knowing this and talking to your doctor could save you the pain and frustration of an adverse reaction to your medication.