Posted On: June 24, 2008, 2:57 pm CDT

Posted By: AZAZ

The packaging and label on the products used were "similar" enough that an ERROR ON THE PART OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL was made - NOT the drug manufacturer. The news media showed the two bottles side by side - and yes, admittingly, they were SIMILAR - Their intent is to be used in a hospital situation - no fancy labels, no colors or cute little pictures - no frills - no waste. It is what it is - and what is was a total screw up by the person who administered the drug - not once, but twice

The Heparin bottles are marked using the same label however one is for 10 units/mil the other for 10,000 units/mil The packaging for the vials that contain the 10 and 10,000 units of Heparin are hard to tell apart as both are colored in shades of blue and have small writing.

The only way the Drug Mfg could be remotely liable is if the allegations are that the products should be so dissimlar in packaging as to prevent future errors

Reading some of the other articles, apparently this isn't the first time that this has happened before resulting in death of three other infants for the same mistake.

Toss up on the liability - however, I still believe that there should be a notice or warning where there should be either a grace period to send out new labels or other warnings for the products already in the stream of commerce - and a change to the bottles in production. Then it is the liability of the consumers to correct future situations from happening - and the manufacturer on a go forward basis.