Innohep Use Restricted in Elderly Patients - Medical Jurisprudence, Inc.

Innohep Use Restricted in Elderly Patients

Written By:
Paulette Campbell RN-BC, BSN, MJ
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant

In December of 2008, Celgene, the makers of Innohep sent out a letter explaining to healthcare workers the need to discontinue the use of Innohep (tinzaparin sodium injection) in elderly patients. Recent studies have indicated that there is an increased risk of death in elderly patients who are prescribed Innohep. Innohep is used to treat serious blood clots. It is a low molecular weight heparin that works by blocking natural substances in the blood that cause clotting.

Innohep has been indicated for the treatment of acute symptomatic deep vein thrombosis with or without a blood clot in the lung. Typically, Innohep is administered along with warfarin (coumadin). In July of 2008, Celgene sent out a letter informing healthcare professionals of a change in labeling for Innohep. At that time, related to a research study, Innohep was found to have an increased risk of mortality for those elderly patients with impaired renal function. Healthcare professionals are urged in the letter to treat elderly patients with unfractioned heparin. The study raised concerns regarding Innohep and elderly patients, which is expected to be released in January of 2009. FDA will complete its review at that time, and make any further recommendations following that review.

If you are involved with a case involving the use of Innohep, contact our office today for proven medical legal consulting solutions that will meet your needs. Our medical legal consulting staff is prepared to customize our solutions specifically for you. You can contact our office at 630-551-0978 or email us at info@medicaljurisprudence.com.

Medicare Extension Act

Paulette Campbell
RN-BC, BSN, MJ
Certified Legal Nurse Consultant

Section 111 of the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Extension Act requires that liability insurers must report information about liability claimants who are entitled to Medicare. These requirements include... [More]

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