Let's Get Rid of Heparin Blog

Heparin, a widely-used anticoagulant drug, has been administered to patients since the mid 1930's. Today, it is estimated that over 12 million patients are treated with Heparin. As we know, Heparin patients are at risk for a condition known as Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT). If left untreated, continued Heparin use creates potentially lethal clots in the body. This is also known as thrombosis, a dangerous and complex condition that can result in either death or the loss of one's limbs.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is supposed to serve as a filter, ensuing that drugs marketed and administered to patients in the U.S. are both safe and effective. However, the use and marketing of Heparin pre-dates the creation of the FDA. As such, Heparin has been spared from the rigorous standards and multi-phase clinical trials that the FDA is currently known for.

If this alone is not cause for concern, in 2008, Baxter Health Corporation recalled vast quantities of Heparin due to contamination. Following disclosure to the public, several of those affected, either directly or indirectly, began filing personal injury and wrongful death suits. Baxter Health Corporation has been accused of substituting ingredients in its Heparin with a dangerous counterfeit. The FDA has stepped in, but in a minimal role, leaving Heparin on the shelf despite knowing of the potentially lethal side effects of HIT.

At Getridofheparin.com, you will find articles intended to raise awareness about the dangers of Heparin and HIT. Before being administered Heparin, ask your doctor to determine whether you're at risk for HIT.

Please join us in the fight against Heparin!

Heparin is an anticoagulant drug widely-used in medicine today. While intended to prevent and reduce clotting in patients, some patients taking heparin suffer serious and at times fatal adverse reactions. In these patients, heparin essentially creates what it is intended to prevent -- Blood Clots.

HIT, short for heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, is a serious medical complication that can result from the therapeutic or prophylactic use of Heparin in medical treatment. Because of its widespread use, HIT is a common and widespread side effect.

Thrombocytopenia induces thrombosis in about 50% of patients who suffer from heparin induced HIT. Thrombosis is the formation or presence of a blood clot in a vein or artery. The following are just some examples of venous thrombosis:

- Deep-vein thrombosis
- Pulmonary Embolism
- Venous Gangrene

There is a lack of growing concern in the medical community for Heparin use. One of the reasons being that there are "numerous advantages of heparin", such as its low cost. As such, few doctors today criticize this potentially lethal drug. However, there are alternatives worth pursuing.

The medical community should immerse itself in a debate over the use of what should be a controversial drug.

Until such time, we will provide this blog to raise awareness about the dangers of Heparin and HIT. Again, HIT can be fatal, and even when not fatal, serious complications may arise, including, but not limited to, amputation of limbs affected by the condition.

There are other, safer alternatives to Heparin.

Has your Doctor informed you about theses risks?

If not, talk to your Doctor today and do not be afraid to take action.

Heparin, is a drug that was discovered 90 years ago. It is widely used as an anticoagulant. Anticoagulants are substances that hinder the clotting of blood. Although widely used due to its low cost and other factors, Heparin can be dangerous and can cause a condition known as Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia ("HIT").

HIT is a condition marked by a low platelet count, and is caused by the administration of various types of Heparin. HIT predisposes people to thrombosis, which is the abnormal formation of blood clots inside a blood vessel.

It is strange to think that a drug often (and widely) used to prevent clots can actually trigger clots. Moreover, this notion is unpopular among some members of the medical profession, but it is true nonetheless. While Heparin was discovered in the 1930's, HIT was only first reported in the 1960's and 1970's.

Under certain circumstances, HIT can be confirmed with simple blood tests. HIT can be fatal, and when not fatal, can result in the amputation of limbs affected by the condition. The most common symptom of HIT is the enlargement or extension of a previously diagnosed blood clot, or the formation of a new blood clot somewhere else in the patient's body. These may take the form of clots in veins or arteries, which in turn can cause arterial or venous thrombosis. Here are some examples of arterial thrombosis:

Stroke
Heart Attack
Low blood supply to the legs

Here are some examples of venous thrombosis:

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (which can occur in the legs or arms)
Pulmonary Embolism (which occurs in the lungs)

This blog is intended to raise awareness about the dangers of Heparin and HIT. Sadly, despite the dangers it poses, Heparin will continue to be widely used because of its low cost and ability to be neutralized. However, for some conditions usually treated with Heparin, there are alternatives!!

At Getridofheparin.com you will find scholarly articles on HIT as well as links to various other sites an authorities. You will also find photos of HIT occurring in patients worldwide.

Please join us in the fight against Heparin, and remember, if you or a loved one is going to undergo the administration of Heparin, ask your doctor about the use of a safer alternative!!!