Baxter International, Inc. Halts Heparin Production Amid Reactions

CHICAGO -(Dow Jones)- Baxter International Inc. (BAX) has temporarily halted production of certain heparin vials amid reports of serious adverse reactions to the widely used, injectable blood thinner, including some deaths that may be related to the drug. The Deerfield, Ill., company has not broadened a prior recall of heparin, however, amid worries that such action would starve the market of a key tool that is used in a range of procedures, from dialysis to heart surgery. Heparin is a generic prescription drug, and Baxter is a major manufacturer that sells about 100,000 vials per day.