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More Scrutiny Needed For Blood Thinners in Nursing Homes
Errors by Nursing Homes in Managing Blood Thinner
The federal government is asking health inspectors nationwide to be on the lookout for errors by nursing homes in managing the blood thinner Coumadin, including those that lead to patient hospitalizations and deaths. In a memo sent early in 2015 to state health departments, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services cited a report by ProPublica and The Washington Post that focused on the harm caused by homes’ failure to manage the drug.
Government inspection reports found that, between 2011 and 2014, at least 165 nursing home residents were hospitalized or died after errors involving Coumadin or its generic version, Warfarin. In some cases, nursing homes gave residents too much of the drug, which caused internal bleeding. In other cases, they gave residents too little, leading to blood clots and strokes.
Although Coumadin has clear benefits and is life-saving for those taking the right dose, a number of peer-reviewed studies suggest that it is can be dangerous if not closely monitored. A 2007 study in the American Journal of Medicine estimated that nursing home residents suffer 34,000 fatal, life-threatening or serious events each year related to the drug.
VICTIM OF NURSING HOME BLOOD THINNER NEGLECT?
Do you find yourself in a situation where your loved one is in a Indiana nursing home and needs help? Has your loved one been given the drug Coumadin or its generic version, Warfarin?
Contact the Indiana Nursing home abuse attorneys at the Sweeney Law Firm today for more information. Remember there is never a fee, unless we make a recovery for you.