KEY POINTS:
A drug recalled by some American drug companies is still available in New Zealand.
Blood thinner heparin was found in America to contain large amounts of a contaminant that might explain hundreds of serious side effects.
US health officials said today it was not clear if the contaminant got there by accident or by foul means.
Baxter International, the company which distributes the drug in America, said the problems may have originated with Chinese suppliers of heparin's main ingredient, derived from pig intestines.
A Ministry of Health spokesman here said it was aware of the problems with the drug overseas and was investigating.
In the meantime the drug would remain available in New Zealand.
The Government's drug safety watchdog Medsafe would be "making sure it's safe and that everyone who's taking it knows about the situation", the spokesman said.
- NZPA
