February 21, 2008 (Rockville, MD) – There is now an official shortage of Baxter's heparin in the US, following the problems with adverse reactions associated with the product. The FDA added Baxter's 1000 units/mL 10-mL and 30-mL multidose vials to its official list of drug shortages earlier this week. Baxter temporarily stopped manufacturing multiple-dose vials of heparin earlier this month because of reports of serious allergic reactions and hypotension in patients who receive high bolus doses of the drug. The reactions have included difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, and rapidly falling blood pressure that can lead to life-threatening shock. Four people have died after receiving heparin, although the relationship to the drug is unclear.
It's official now...Heparin shortage exists...BD
Baxter Heparin Shortage