IMPORTANT SAFETY ALERT:
BAXTER HEPARIN SODIUM INJECTION AND HEP-LOCK
U/P
February 6, 2007--This important safety information concerns the potential
for life threatening medication errors involving two Baxter Heparin
products:
Baxter is aware of fatal medication errors that have occurred
when two Heparin products with shades of blue labeling were mistaken for each
other. Three infant deaths resulted when the higher dosage Heparin Sodium
Injection 10,000 units/mL was inadvertently administered instead of the lower
dosage of HEP-LOCK U/P 10 units/mL.
The currently marketed 1 mL vials of
Heparin Sodium Injection 10,000 units/mL and the HEP-LOCK U/P 10 units/mL use
shades of blue as the prominent background color on their
labels.
Healthcare professionals should be reminded to:
• Never rely
on color as a sole indicator to differentiate product identity.
• Always
carefully read the product label to verify that the correct product name and
strength have been selected.
• Always carefully review both the drug name and
dose on the label before dispensing and administering these products.
•
Double-check your inventory as soon as possible, to ensure that there is no
mix-up of the products.
• Notify all staff of the potential for errors in
dispensing and administering these products. It is advised that you provide
color photographs (see below) to staff to assist in their understanding of the
product similarities.
Baxter provides bar codes on its product labels and
is considering ways to differentiate the packaging and labels to decrease the
risk of medication errors. While Baxter seeks to more clearly differentiate the
appearance of these two products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
suggests that your institution review your medication identification and
administration policies and procedures. Please ensure that all staff responsible
for the dispensing and administration of Heparin Sodium Injection and HEP-LOCK
U/P products are aware of these medication errors and that the staff are
familiar with your policies and procedures.
If you were harmed after
receiving a heparin injection, please complete the form below and a
representative of our firm will contact you as soon as possible.
see also:
Heparin Complications
Have you experienced health complications from Heparin? Get Legal InfoNumerous health complications are associated with tainted Heparin
Baxter Heparin Label Errors
Important Safety Alert: Baxter Heparin Sodium Injection and Hep-Lock Baxter Heparin products with blue labeling were accidentally swapped
FDA Health Advisory
FDA Issues Advisory on Heparin Due to Health Risks--Free Lawsuit InfoDid You Suffer Adverse Reaction After Heparin Injection? Lawsuit info
