On January 17, 2008, the Baxter Healthcare company announced a voluntary recall of nine lots of their heparin sodium vials. This recall was in response to a rising number of adverse reactions to the multi-dose vials of heparin sodium being used in hospitals all around the country. The heparin sodium drug is a medically necessary drug, leading the FDA and Baxter healthcare to issue a partial recall of the drug.

This recall follows reactions that include certain hypersensitive or allergic-type reactions, and although no fatalities have been reported so far, the medical conditions brought on by a bolus or large dose of heparin sodium can have effects that need medical attention to correct, including a very serious drop in blood pressure.

This drug has not been entirely removed from the market, and Baxter Healthcare is the only company that is currently effecting a recall, with none of the heparin sodium from other companies having had the same reaction so far. Healthcare providers are being advised not to use heparin sodium from Baxter Healthcare if possible for now, and to avoid bolus doses until the cause of the reactions can be determined.

Recalls like this one only highlight the need for the patient to be well informed about the medications he or she is taking. Other recalls in the past included the following:

• Ephedra
• Baycol
• Zelnorm
• Vioxx
• Bextra
• Celebrex
• Fen Phen/Redux
• Prempro
• Meridia
• Crestor
• Rezulin

This is not by far a comprehensive list, and unfortunately, new drugs are being recalled every day. Be the smart consumer - always follow FDA recall news very closely to ensure the safe of you and your family.