ALERT: Food and Drug Administration Heparin Recall for All Provider Types

VHCA (5/16/2008)

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled injectable heparin products and heparin flush solutions because many products may be contaminated with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS).  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services asks that health professionals and facilities please review and examine all drug/device storage areas, including emergency kits, dialysis units and automated drug storage cabinets to ensure that all of the recalled heparin products have been removed and are no longer available for patient use. Please report to the FDA adverse reactions associated with these devices, as well as any reactions associated with heparin or heparin flush solutions. To read this update, and to learn how to report these problems to the FDA, please click here. If you have questions or would like more information about this request, please contact the Division of Drug Information at 301.796.3400.