If you are being treated for a clotting problem or for similar issues, you may have heard the name of the product known as heparin sodium being used by your doctor. This medication is designed to prevent clotting in the blood, and works as a blood thinner. It is a very important and medically necessary drug, and one that is used to treat a range of disorders and problems.

The heparin sodium drug is derived from pork, and is in wide use in the United States, with three manufacturers providing most of the heparin sodium to the entire medical community. The heparin sodium drug is a blood thinner, but it does not break up clots, which means that a dose of heparin sodium will not actually dissolve problem clots that have already formed. It will, however, prevent new clots from forming.

It is always important to know what your drugs do for you, and also what they do not do so that you can be a fully informed patient. Your heparin sodium can be administered in one of three ways, either in a low dose over time, as in a drip, as a flush, which can be used to flush catheters and which will prevent clotting from blocking the line, or as a large dose, also known as a bolus dose.

Recent dangers have been pointed out by the FDA, sparking a partial recall of the heparin sodium used in these large doses or bolus doses. The company that manufactured these doses, the Baxter Healthcare company, has been working closely with the FDA to try to control the problems associated with the heparin sodium and has recalled several batches believed to be suspect.

A heparin sodium bolus dose could cause a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction, and could also potentially cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Anyone who has had a doctor recommend a large or bolus dose of heparin sodium should talk to their doctor to be sure that there are no other options before the bolus dose is administered, and should insist on constant monitoring to ensure that there are no dangerous reactions.

If you have had an adverse reaction to heparin sodium, you should contact a legal team with medical malpractice experience, like the lawyers at www.anapolschwartz.com. They can help you to get the compensation that you deserve for the pain and suffering that you have endured as a result of your heparin sodium dose.