The deaths involved one or more allergic reactions or a drop in blood pressure.
But the F.D.A. is still investigating whether those deaths and allergic reactions were really caused by heparin like contaminant that was somehow added to the manufacturing process.
Investigators have to find out how or why the additive called over sulfated chondroitin sulfate, ended up in heparin.
After Baxter International recalled heparin manufactured from China in February, there were no more death reports.
Other than Baxter, companies that had recalled heparin products made with Chinese ingredients, Covidien (formerly Tyco Healthcare), and B. Braun. Both companies said they receive no reports of adverse reaction from heparin and that the recall was just precautionary.
Germany, Denmark, France, Italy and Japan had similar recalls of the drug.
