Heparin sodium is an injectable drug which is derived from pork. This drug is an anticoagulant, which means that it helps to stop your blood from clotting. It is a very important drug for many situations, including risks of deep vein thrombosis. It is used in one of several ways depending on the case, either in high doses administered quickly, as a flush for catheters, or as an intravenous drip, which is administered slowly over time.

The only risk from the heparin sodium seems to be from the single, high dose of the injection, and it seems at this time to only be from the Baxter Healthcare company, which manufactures roughly half of the heparin sodium on the market. The FDA and the Baxter company have spoken and have decided together that the recall of all Baxter heparin sodium on the market would cause a potentially dangerous shortage of a medically necessary drug. Several batches of the heparin sodium have been recalled at this time.

While there is still heparin sodium from the Baxter company on the market and in hospitals now, there are ways suggested by the FDA to reduce the risk to patients. Bolus injections, or large doses given all at once, are not recommended unless unavoidable until the situation has been resolved. The FDA has also advised using another brand of heparin sodium if it is at all possible. There does not seem to be any risk of the allergic or hypersensitive response from people who get a low dose or a dose over time.

If you have been given a dose of heparin sodium from the Baxter company and have experienced an allergic reaction, including a swelling of the mouth, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, or similar symptoms, alert your doctor right away. You may also experience a dangerous drop in blood pressure, which can sometimes actually require medical treatment, so make sure that you are monitored after being given a large heparin sodium dose.

Medical complications arising from a dose of heparin sodium from the Baxter company can be dangerous and painful, and can cause a certain amount of trauma. If you have suffered as a result of the medication involved in the Baxter heparin sodium recall, then you have a legal right to seek reparations for the pain and suffering inflicted upon you by those responsible for your health and wellbeing. To get these reparations, contact an experienced malpractice attorney like those at www.anapolschwartz.com as soon as possible.