Children are often at greatest risk of heparin overdose. For one, children’s metabolism is different from adults and caution must be used when administering any drug to young children. Another reason may be a matter of labeling. A diluted form of heparin called HepLock which is made specifically for children is often sold in vials that are the same size, shape and with similar labeling as adult heparin.

Several tragic infant deaths have been attributed to heparin overdose. In 2006 three infants in and Indiana hospital died after being administered the adult 10,000 units/mL vial instead of the 10 units/mL vial meant for children. A few months previous to this incident, heparin made world news when actor Dennis Quaid’s newborn twins and another infant were given an overdose of heparin at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in California. In both cases, the adult and children’s heparin were labeled with a similar blue label. Since this experience, Quaid has become a vocal advocate for the prevention of medical errors.

In 2008 at least 17 infants in a Corpus Christi hospital were accidently given a heparin overdose which resulted in at least two deaths. In this situation, the overdose was due to hospital error rather than confusion over labeling. Nurses were using the blood thinner to flush IV tubes, a common practice, to prevent blood clots from forming. However, pharmacists had erroneously mixed the solution and made a dose that was over 100 times too strong.

To date there have been nearly 300 medical errors concerning children under 18 months of age.

Heparin overdoses have also occurred in adult patients. One patient was given a dosage ten times too strong because the pharmacist couldn’t read the doctor’s handwriting on the prescription: an abbreviation for units was mistaken for an extra zero. The patient was given an antidote and survived with no long term effects.

Antidote

Protamine sulfate is the typical antidote given in case of a heparin overdose. Protamine sulfate counteracts the anti-clotting effects of heparin by binding to the molecules.

The usual dosage is one mg administered very slowly for every 100 IU of heparin a patient has taken.

Although many hospitals are becoming more vigilant and attempting to install safeguards against accidental overdoses, there is still a margin for human error and heparin overdose remains a serious concern.

If you have a child who has died or been injured as the result of heparin overdose, you may want to file a lawsuit. While there is no compensation for the loss of a child, you may be able to prevent the same tragedy from happening to others.

2008 Recalls

The first recall came on January 17, 2008. At that time approximately 150 reports had been received of adverse reactions including stomach and chest pain, dizziness, vomiting, headache, fainting, low blood pressure, sweating, throat swelling among others.

Some of the reactions are severe and even life-threatening.

A number of deaths are also believed to be related to contaminated heparin or severe allergic reactions to the drug.

The batches affected in this recall are:

NDC numbers:

• 0641-2440-45
• 0641-2440-41
• 0641-2450-45
• 0641-2450-41.

Lots:

• 107054
• 117085
• 047056
• 097081
• 107024
• 107064
• 107066
• 107074
• 107111

In February 2008, Baxter Healthcare also recalled both multi-does and single dose vials of heparin sodium used for injection. It also recalled HEPLOCK heparin flush products. The FDA launched an investigation and discovered that contaminated heparin has also been found in some medical devices such as catheters. Some of these have also been recalled.

2009

The death toll continues to rise, as does allergic reactions to heparin.

At least one death and two illnesses were reported at the Beebe Medical Center in Lewes, Delaware after patients were given Baxter supplied heparin. The latest batches were manufactured in Ohio, not China. Although the FDA has cleared Baxter, it is clear that there are still dangers associated with heparin use.

The heparin involved in the Delaware incident was premixed intravenous bags rather than the over-sulfated chondroitin (OSCS), a heparin-mimicking substance.

The Delaware victims suffered intracranial bleeding and severe low blood pressure.

The FDA and Baxter both sent medical teams to test the heparin. FDA spokeswoman, Karen Rilely says “As far as we can determine at this pint, it appears to be an isolated incident.”

In many cases, a patient may have other medical conditions that caused the reaction which makes it difficult to determine whether or not the heparin was to blame. Patients who believe they are experiencing allergic reactions should seek immediate medical help.

If you or a loved one have experienced heparin-related problems, you may have a case. If you would like to speak to a legal representative or need help finding an attorney, please fill out the form to the right.