Significance

• The year 2008 saw deaths and serious health problems from the use of the heparin injection. Its source of contamination being the active pharmaceutical ingredients brought in from China, according to the New York Times.
  
  

Heparin Sodium Drugs in Australia

• According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration in Australia, drug suppliers in the country had received contaminated heparin from Astra Zeneca.
  
  

Drug Recall

• Baxter Healthcare in the U.S. and Astra Zeneca in Australia have recalled these contaminated drugs. These include intravenous injections as well as devices such as catheters.
  
  

Side Effects

• The contaminated heparin caused major side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, allergies and abdominal pain, leading to serious health hazards and even death.
  
  

Precautionary Measures

• Though most of the drugs have been recalled, the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. and the TGA in Australia have warned healthcare practitioners to use precaution when administering this drug.