Heparin May Be Contaminated, Say German Authorities

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Main Category: Blood / Hematology
Also Included In: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals;  Public Health;  Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 08 Mar 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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After announcing that they suspect heparin may be contaminated, the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Germany, has recalled the drug thinner. This follows a withdrawal in the USA where 19 deaths have been linked to the drug.

Heparin in Germany is produced by RotexMedica, part of Groupe Panpharma, France. The German RotexMedica plant is located in Schleswig-Holstein. No other European country has reported severe reactions to the drug.

German authorities announced that there have been reports of severe allergic reactions to Heparin in February. Over 80 reports of allergic reactions, including breathing difficulties, low blood pressure and accelerated heart beat, have been received.

During the first 6 months of 2007 China exported 13 tons of heparin products to Germany, its biggest client during that period.

About Heparin

-- Heparin is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). It undermines the blood's ability to clot. It is used to prevent the formation of blood clots among patients who have certain medical conditions or who are undergoing certain medical procedures that raise the risk that clots will form.

-- Heparin can also stop the growth of clots that are already present in blood vessels.

-- Heparin does not decrease the size of clots that have already formed.

-- Heparin is commonly used in small quantities to prevent blood clots from forming in catheters that are left in veins for long periods.

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Written by - Christian Nordqvist
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