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Warning: Stolen Levemir Insulin Now Back on the Market

By Oguz Ozdemir

Recently, three lots containing 129,000 vials of Levemir were stolen and have just begun to show up on the marketplace again. Levemir is long-lasting insulin used by patients with type 1 diabetes or those with type 2 diabetes who must rely on insulin to control their blood sugar levels. On June 13, Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Levemir, discovered that the missing insulin, which was stolen from North Carolina, began showing up at a medical facility in Houston, Texas.

Because there is no knowledge of how the missing medications were handled, the company is concerned about the safety of its patients and has urged anyone who may have received insulin from any of the three lots to refrain from using it. One person so far has experienced a reaction from using the stolen Levemir.

Because the company cannot vouch for the storage and handling of the missing Levemir it poses a definite risk for those who are dependent on the insulin to control their diabetes. If you regularly take Levemir, check the side of the box to see if you have inadvertently received one of the stolen vials.

The lot numbers for the Levemir that was stolen are: XZF0036, XZF0037 and XZF0038. The company warns regular users of Levemir to not use this product if it has any of these numbers on the side of the box. You can replace it with a different lot number or if you feel like or if you choose to switch to another type of insulin contact your physician immediately.

If you have received one of the lots of Levemir bearing the id numbers listed above, the company would like you to contact the Novo Nordisk Customer Care Center at 1-800-727-6500. The FDA has issued a Health Advisory warning patients about the stolen insulin. But it is imperative that you not stop taking insulin to control your blood sugar levels.

The usual dosage of Levemir is once or twice a day to control type 1 diabetes in adults as well as juvenile diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes who are no longer able to produce insulin. As a diabetic, going without your medication can have serious repercussions that could result in hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.

If you are a diabetic and are insulin dependent pay special attention to your Levemir products. If you happen to have purchased one unknowingly and used it, document any adverse affects and consult your physician right away.

Our legal team at Napoli Bern Ripka has been diligent in staying up-to-date on FDA recalls, warnings and any other incidents like the one above that could endanger innocent people. If you have had any reactions to this or any other medications, please contact us at 1-888-LAW-IN-NY. We have your best interest in mind and will be happy to advise you of warnings or recalls on any other medications you may not be aware of.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Oguz Ozdemir

Full post as published by New York City Personal Injury Lawyer on August 13, 2009 (boomark / email).