Exhibit 99

FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE INVESTIGATION, BAXTER IDENTIFIES PROBABLE

CAUSE OF RECENT HEMODIALYSIS PATIENT DEATHS

DEERFIELD, ILL, November 5, 2001 - A Baxter International Inc. subsidiary
announced today a key finding from its comprehensive dialyzer investigation that
could account for many of the unexplained recent hemodialysis deaths reported in
several countries. Preliminary tests completed over the weekend lead Baxter to
believe that a processing fluid used in the manufacturing operation in its
Ronneby, Sweden, facility may have played a role.

"We are greatly saddened by the patient deaths and I would like to extend my
personal sympathies to family members of those patients. We have a
responsibility to make public our findings immediately and take swift action,
even though confirmatory studies remain under way," said Harry M. Jansen
Kraemer, Jr., Baxter chairman and chief executive officer. "While a small number
of our A and AF dialyzers appear to have played a role in some of these tragic
events, we believe there remain substantive gaps in information about the facts
associated with many of the patient deaths. Therefore, we have decided that in
the interest of patient safety, the most prudent course of action is to
permanently cease manufacturing these dialyzers." The A and AF series dialyzers,
which were part of Baxter's acquisition of Althin Medical AB in March 2000, are
manufactured in Ronneby, Sweden.

While a number of confirmatory tests are being conducted, Baxter has taken
immediate actions, extending beyond the global product recall already
implemented. Baxter has advised the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
independent scientific testing laboratory TUV Product Service, and other health
authorities of its findings. In addition, the company has conveyed its findings
to the manufacturer of the fluid, as well as other dialyzer producers in case
they may use the same or a similar kind of fluid and manufacturing process.

The processing fluid, a perfluorohydrocarbon, is used in the manufacturing
process of certain dialyzer fibers. The process, used only in Baxter's Ronneby,
Sweden, facility, is used in the manufacture of fewer than 10 percent of the A
and AF series dialyzers produced - specifically those dialyzers that require
additional manufacturing steps to ensure the integrity of the fibers. This fluid
is not used in the manufacturing process for other dialyzers that Baxter
manufactures or distributes.

Baxter initially put a worldwide hold on the A series dialyzer following reports
of patient deaths in Spain in late August. Results of standard internationally
recognized safety and toxicity tests conducted by Baxter and TUV Product Service
showed no linkage between the dialyzers and patient deaths in Spain. Following
reports of patient deaths in Croatia, Baxter immediately initiated a voluntarily
global recall of the A, AF and AX series dialyzers and established an
independent panel of world-renowned dialysis experts to aid in the
investigation. Since first learning of a potential problem with the dialyzers,
Baxter encouraged a thorough investigation by international health authorities
and independent medical experts, in addition to conducting its own in-depth
analysis. The testing process included the examination of dialyzers from centers
where the deaths were reported, as well as an analysis of the manufacturing
process, including all raw materials and production materials used. Throughout
the process, Baxter has fully cooperated with all investigating agencies.

                                   Page 4 of 5




Baxter expects to take a fourth-quarter after-tax charge of approximately
$100-$150 million to cover the cost of discontinuing this product line and other
related costs. The after-tax cash impact is estimated to be no more than $50
million. Excluding this charge, Baxter expects to meet the full-year 2001
financial commitments of sales growth in the low double-digits, earnings growth
in the mid-teens and operational cash flow of more than $500 million. In
addition, Baxter reiterated it will also meet its 2002 full-year commitments of
sales growth in the low-teens (at current foreign exchange rates),
earnings-per-share in the mid-teens and operational cash flow of at least $500
million.

Baxter International Inc. is a global medical products and services company
that, through its subsidiaries, provides critical therapies for people with
life-threatening conditions. Baxter's products and services in the areas of
bioscience (including biopharmaceuticals, vaccines, biosurgery products and
transfusion therapies), medication delivery and renal therapy are used by
health-care providers and their patients in more than 100 countries.

                                     # # #

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks
and uncertainties, including technological advances in the medical field,
product demand and market acceptance, the effect of economic conditions, actions
of regulatory bodies, results of ongoing product testing, the impact of
competitive products and pricing, foreign currency exchange rates and other
risks detailed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission. These forward-looking statements are based on estimates and
assumptions made by management of the company and are believed to be reasonable,
though are inherently uncertain and difficult to predict. Actual results or
experience could differ materially from the forward-looking statements.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:


        Media Contacts:
                 Sally Benjamin Young, 847-948-2304
                 Deborah Spak, (847) 948-2349
                 Patricia O'Hayer, 011-322-650-1924

        Investor Contacts:
                 Neville Jeharajah, 847-948-2875
                 Mary Kay Ladone, 847-948-3371







                                   Page 5 of 5