Recalled Heparin Blood Thinner Drug Not In Use at RWJ Hamilton

Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton does not have, nor will it purchase, heparin products produced by Baxter Healthcare Corporation, and no patients have received Baxter-produced heparin.

Heparin is widely used as a blood thinner to prevent clotting during surgeries, dialysis and other procedures. Baxter, which produces about half of all heparin products distributed in the United States, has issued a voluntary recall of all heparin products, including single-use and multi-use vials as well as heparin lock flush products used to clear IV lines.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported 448 incidents of adverse reaction in patients receiving heparin. The FDA has verified that APP, the other provider of heparin to the U.S. market, has increased production and can provide adequate supplies. The FDA has also confirmed that there are a number of U.S. suppliers of heparin lock flush products and no shortage is predicted.

More About RWJ Hamilton
Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton (RWJ Hamilton) is the only New Jersey hospital to receive the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Located in Hamilton Township, NJ, the hospital is part of the RWJ Health System and Network and is affiliated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey-RWJ Medical School and the Cancer Institute of New Jersey.

The RWJ Hamilton Health Care Corporation serves communities within a five-county area and includes an acute care hospital, the Cancer Institute of New Jersey Hamilton, three affiliated medical groups, seven Lakeview Child Centers, and the RWJ Hamilton Center for Health & Wellness, home of a medically-based fitness center and the hospital's extensive community education program. Over 1,900 hospital employees and 650 medical staff physicians share RWJ Hamilton's passion for Excellence Through Service. For more information, visit www.rwjhamilton.org.