FDA Alerts Public Levemir Insulin Vials Stolen
Missing Detemir Back on the Market and Causing Problems
Aug 29, 2009
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) sent out a Public Health Advisory regarding 129,000 vials of detemir (Levemir) insulin vials that were stolen in North Carolina. One vial turned up in Houston when a patient with diabetes had an adverse effect after using the insulin. The concern is that the insulin vials have not been properly stored and may be causing problems due to changes in effectiveness.
Detemir Insulin
Detemir is a long-acting or basal insulin that many patients with diabetes use. It can be used in adults, children and even pets with diabetes.
Because detemir lasts in the body for nearly 24 hours, only one or two injections daily are required to control blood sugar. It is generally safe to use, but must be stored properly or its effects can be altered. This can result in a loss of blood sugar control where patients may experience very high or very low blood sugar levels. People with high blood sugar or hyperglycemia may experience fatigue, increased urination, increased thirst or blurred vision. With low blood sugar or hypoglycemia, people may feel hungry, shaky, nervous, dizzy or confused.
Read more about effects on insulin in pets in this great article, Types of Insulin for Diabetic Dogs and Cats.
Stolen Vials
The FDA issued its initial Public Health Advisory in June. Three different lots of insulin vials were stolen. The FDA has reminded people again in August that the vials are still on the market. Multiple reports of problems with these lots of detemir have come to the FDA. Only 2% of the vials that were stolen have been found.
What to Do
If you, a family member or pet are using detemir (Levemir) insulin in vials, check the lot number found on the vial or box. Stolen lot numbers are XZF0036, XZF0037 and XZF0038. This does not affect the levemir insulin pens or other types of insulin like glargine (Lantus). Do not use the insulin if you have one of these vials. Replace it with a new vial of insulin. Contact the Novo Nordisk Customer Care Center at 1-800-727-6500 for more information or to report any stolen vials.
Always check your insulin vials before use. Detemir should be colorless and clear. If you are having any problems with your blood sugar levels, contact your health care provider.
Ongoing Investigation
The FDA is asking anyone with information on the stolen insulin to contact them at the Office of Criminal Investigations.
For up-to-date information about the FDA Public Health Advisory, check out the Consumer Updates page.
 |
