Contaminated Syringes Infecting Patients
Federal and state health officials are warning hospitals throughout the United States about contaminated syringes that have sickened more than 40 patients and threaten to sicken many more. The heparin-filled IV medical syringes are commonly prescribed for home use by cancer patients.
The tainted syringes were manufactured in North Carolina and are labeled “Sierra Pre-Filled,” lot number 070926h. The facility shipped the syringes to a number of hospitals in Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Florida. Although the vast majority of those sickened by the tainted syringes are from Texas and Illinois, it has been reported that 13 people from Escambia and Santa Rosa, Florida have become ill as a result of using the heparin syringes.
Serratia Marcescens Bloodstream Infection
The tainted heparin syringes are contaminated with a bacterium called serratia marcescens. Users of the syringes tainted with serratia marcescens can contract a rare bloodstream infection with symptoms including muscle aches, chills and fever.
Considering that those most at risk of contraction of the infection are cancer patients using the heparin syringes as part of their treatment, the contaminated product could have serious secondary consequences. Interruption of their treatment, coupled with the development of the bloodstream infection, could significantly affect their fight against cancer.
Thus far, no deaths have been reported in conjunction with the tainted syringes, though a number of those infected have required hospitalization.
Contaminated Syringes – Legal Recourse
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using one of the contaminated heparin-filled syringes, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Medical product manufacturers are required to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products before they are marketed for public use. Failure to adequately measure the potential for side effects or injury is considered negligent and can be grounds for personal injury litigation.
The law offices of Justice Lawyers boast some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers Pensacola, Florida has to offer. The lawyers and staff of Justice Lawyers specialize in victims’ rights and the litigation of personal injury claims. Contact the law offices of Justice Lawyers today at (888) 255 2956 to get more information about your rights as a contaminated syringe injury victim.
Heparin Recall – Blood Thinner Causing Allergic Reactions
On January 25th, 2008, Baxter International Inc. issued an urgent recall of certain batches of heparin following reports of serious allergic reactions. Those who have been victimized by these adverse heparin side effects have experienced stomach pains, nausea, diarrhea, decreased blood pressure, vomiting, dizziness, facial swelling and arrhythmia. Although the recall was an urgent action, it has also been labeled a precautionary measure designed to quell further allergic reactions. Thus far, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports no fatalities associated with the reaction.
The heparin recall follows a CDC investigation that found 53 dialysis patients who developed adverse reactions to heparin injections. (Another 36 cases are under investigation by the CDC.) Although Baxter International Inc. issued a voluntary recall of nine different batches of heparin, details of the recall were not released until February 1st.
While the problem has not yet been isolated, CDC investigators have stated that heparin is being viewed as the leading candidate. Heparin is a common blood thinner used to treat patients suffering from kidney problems. CDC officials noted that the allergic reaction experienced in the 53 cases occurred within mere minutes after heparin dialysis began. Most patients recovered after heparin treatment was halted.
Heparin-related allergies have been reported in 19 different dialysis facilities throughout the country, including California, Florida, New York and New Jersey. Several cases are being investigated in which cardiac patients were given heparin; specifically, nice cases of allergic reactions in North Carolina, and four in Florida. (One of the Florida cardiac patients died as a result of the reaction). These cases are currently being investigated and have not yet been linked with heparin.
2.21.08 - FDA Error Linked with Heparin Contamination
An ongoing investigation into the heparin contamination scare affecting hundreds of patients treated with the blood thinner has taken another turn. The main ingredient used in the production of Baxter’s heparin-filled syringes was supplied by a Chinese factory co-owned by Wisconsin-based Scientific Protein Laboratories. According to FDA spokespersons, the Chinese plant was never inspected by FDA officials, even though it was supposed to be.
The FDA has admitted an internal error resulted in the failure to inspect the Chinese factory producing raw heparin for Baxter. Although the contaminated vials of heparin have not yet been definitively linked with the Chinese facility, the FDA failure underscores questions regarding the effectiveness of the government-run agency to adequately inspect foreign products and manufacturing facilities.
The FDA has dispatched a number of investigators to the Chinese facility with the hope that the source of contamination can be uncovered. Thus far, contaminated heparin has resulted in approximately 350 cases of adverse reaction, including four deaths.
Legal Recourse
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of using one of the contaminated heparin-filled syringes or as a result of a heparin-related allergy, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Medical product manufacturers are required to ensure the safety and efficacy of their products before they are marketed for public use. Failure to adequately measure the potential for side effects or injury is considered negligent and can be grounds for personal injury litigation.
The law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz boast some of the most experienced personal injury lawyers Pensacola, Florida has to offer. The lawyers and staff of AWKO law specialize in victims’ rights and the litigation of personal injury claims. Contact the law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis and Overholtz today at (888) 255 2956 to get more information about your rights as a contaminated syringe injury victim or heparin allergy victim.
The attorneys of the Law Office of Justice Lawyers are personal injury lawyers in Pensacola who protect victims of auto accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, defective drugs, consumer fraud, insurance fraud, product defects and defective medical devices, such as Guidant and Medtronic Pacemakers, and potentially harmful drugs, such as Ortho Evra. When you think of the top personal injury lawyers or car accident lawyers in Pensacola, think of Justice Lawyers.