Health Canada testing of heparin products marketed in Canada has identified a contaminant in products from manufacturer B. Braun Medical Inc. The Department is working with the company on its recall of the affected Canadian products from the market.Adverse reaction reports to Health Canada do not show an increase in adverse reactions, including allergic reactions, related to heparin. There was one report of an allergic adverse reaction related to heparin from January 1, 2007 to March 6, 2008.
The contaminant, oversulphated chondroitin sulphate, has also been found in heparin products in the United States and Australia.
On March 11, 2008, Health Canada requested that all suppliers of heparin for sale in Canada test their heparin products using the same methodology that uncovered the contamination in the United States.
Health Canada is continuing its testing of heparin products from all Canadian companies and will continue to update Canadians as needed.
Heparin acts as a blood thinner, preventing the formation of clots, and is used after surgery and in dialysis, among other uses. Health professionals should only use heparin where it is medically essential after careful weighing of the risks and benefits for each individual patient. Patients should be monitored during and immediately following heparin administration for signs of allergy or anaphylactic reaction.
Consumers requiring more information about this Advisory can contact Health Canada's public enquiries line at (613) 957-2991, or toll free at 1-866-225-0709.
See: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2008/2008_49_e.html
