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Heparin is injected into the bloodstream to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in patients with certain medical conditions and in patients undergoing medical procedures that cause blood clots. Heparin is also used to stop the growth of existing clots, and is used in pregnant women to help prevent miscarriage.
However, in 2005, the FDA recalled some Heparin and catheter flushes that had not been approved and that contained a strain of harmful bacteria. This was a class I recall, which is the most aggressive recall because use of the product will most likely result in injury and death. The Heparin medication contained a strain of bacteria called Pseudomonas flourescens, which is a pathogenic bacterium.
More recently, Heparin was confused with insulin, resulting in the death of two infants. Instead of being injected with Heparin, medical personnel mistakenly injected people with insulin, which looks similar to Heparin. Hospitals were instructed to store Heparin and insulin away from each other, avoid using vials that look alike, ensure accuracy of the order, and suspect this mistake in patients who develop unexplained hypoglycemia and treat them accordingly.
Three more infant deaths were associated with Heparin after doctors mistook one dose of Heparin for another higher dose because of similarities in packaging color. Heparin manufacturers warn doctors to read all labels and avoid associating dosages with package colors.
Blood clots form when patients have to undergo prolonged bed rest, when catheters are inserted, and during some medical procedures.
Some miscarriages are caused by blood clots that decrease or stop the blood and the nutrients it carries from getting to the baby. Doctors will prescribe a combination of aspirin, Heparin and corticosteroids if this happens.
However, there are many side effects associated with Heparin. These include:
- allergic reactions
- increased risk of osteoporosis
- risks associated with pregnancy
- uncontrolled or excessive bleeding
- nose bleeds
- blood in your urine or stool
- excessive bleeding
- unusual bruising