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FDA Issues National Recall of Insulin Syringes

-November 7, 2008

The Tyco Healthcare Group LP (also known as Covidien) has just issued a national recall of a single lot its ReliOn insulin syringes. These recalled syringes, which are disposable, can potentially overdose patients with insulin, causing up to 2 ½ times the proper dose of insulin to be administered to diabetes patients.

Such large-scale insulin overdoses can cause severe health problems, including arrhythmia and death.

The product information for the recalled syringe lot is as follows:

• Lot number: 813900

• ReliOn 1cc, 31-gauge, for use with U-100 insulin

These recalled insulin syringes are sold exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club under the "ReliOn" brand name.

Consumers Should Take the Recalled Syringes Back

While the FDA has already warned doctors, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to check the lot numbers before administering (or distributing) these syringes, anyone in possession of a recalled syringe should take it back to Wal-Mart or Sam's Club, where they can exchange it for a safe replacement.

In total, over 470,000 syringes have been recalled. Despite such a vast amount of defective syringes, the FDA and Tyco have only received one report of patient injury following use of these recalled syringes.

Insulin Uses and Overdoses

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, regulates the body's levels of blood sugar and, as a result, energy. While the pancreas naturally produces insulin, when needed, in health individuals, those with type-1 diabetes are unable to generate insulin on their own.

People who live with type-1 diabetes are typically born with this condition and need to regularly inject themselves with insulin to properly maintain their health.

Type-2 diabetes, also referred to as "adult onset diabetes," may also require insulin injections. However, in many cases, proper diet and exercise can replace the need for insulin injections for those living with type-2 diabetes.

Effects of Insulin Overdose

Because insulin is clearly a vital hormone, overdoses of it can seriously damage a person's health. In addition to arrhythmias and death, insulin overdoses can also result in:

• anxiety
• confusion
• fatigue
• irritability
• profuse sweating
• tremors
• unconsciousness
• hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels)

Consequently, anyone who has (or thinks he has) suffered an insulin overdose should seek immediate medical treatment to prevent irreversible, potentially fatal health issues.

(Source: FDA)

Have you been harmed by a recalled product or medication? If so, contact us today to talk to an experienced professional who will provide you with the legal support you need to pursue your legal claim.

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