Problems in Blood Drug Lead to Halt by Factory

Too many problems and issues...Baxter says no more multi dose vials...APP Pharma to pick up the slack..will this result in shortages down the road? BD

A major maker of heparin, a blood thinner used widely in surgery and dialysis, has stopped making it after hundreds of patients reported severe allergic reactions to the drug, which is made from pig intestines. Other drugs thin blood, but their effects are rarely as rapid or as easily reversed. Heparin has been manufactured since 1930.

Baxter suspended manufacturing multidose vials that have been associated with most of the problems. Baxter continues to make single-dose vials. APP Pharmaceuticals in Schaumburg, Ill., manufactures much of the rest of the heparin supply. Its president, Tom Silberg, said APP was rapidly increasing production.

“There is going to be a shortage problem in the immediate and long-term future with the suspension of Baxter’s manufacturing,” Dr. Jenkins said. “Facilities and physicians will have to decide immediately what they do with the heparin on hand, and they’ll have to start looking for heparin for the long term.”