Pharmacy on Web

23 July 2008

Medsafe today released a statement advising caution in the use of medicines and medical devices containing heparin and low molecular weight heparin.  The key points are:

1.  Detectable levels of over-sulphated chondroitin sulphate (OSCS) have not been found in medicines containing heparin or low molecular weight heparins supplied in New Zealand.

2.  Because of the limitations on the available test methods, the presence of low levels of OSCS in products cannot be completely excluded.

3.  There has been no increase in adverse reaction reports in New Zealand for medicines containing heparin or low molecular weight heparins.

4.  Two types of medical device have been found to contain heparin contaminated with OSCS.  These are:

- an oxygenator used in cardiac surgery, where alternative products should be used if possible

- blood collection containers, where use of the products has been allowed where OCSC levels are below 6%.

5.  Healthcare practitioners are asked to be alert for, and to promptly report, any adverse reactions occurring in patients exposed to medicines or medical devices containing heparin or low molecular weight heparins.

This means there is no reason not to use heparin when clinically indicated, but to be alert for any adverse reaction and to report it promptly.

The full Medsafe alert is on the Pharmaceutical Society members' website www.psnz.org.nz .