Diabetes Alert: Insulin Syringes Recalled
Nov. 6, 2008 -- People with diabetes who use ReliOn insulin syringes should check their syringe package because of an important recall.
Tyco Healthcare Group (Covidien) is recalling 4,710 boxes of the syringes -- with 100 syringes in each box -- that were sold at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club from Aug. 1, 2008 through Oct. 8, 2008.
The reason for the recall: possible mislabeling and overdose risk.
"The use of these syringes may lead to patients receiving an overdose of as much as 2.5 times the intended dose, which may lead to hypoglycemia, serious health consequences, and even death," states an FDA news release.
The recall only applies to the following products:
- Product name: ReliOn Insulin Syringes -- 31 gauge 1 cc (with 100 syringes per box)
- Lotnumber: 813900 (on the back panel of the carton, or on the white paper backing of each syringe's "peel pack")
- Product identification number: 38396-0403-02 (on the top panel upper right-hand corner of the syringe box)
The FDA says some syringes labeled for use with U-40 insulin got packaged with syringes for U-100 insulin.
The FDA notes that Tyco Healthcare recalled this lot of syringes in October, and Wal-Mart and Sam's Club stores have posted information about the recall and notified more than 16,500 customers about the recall.
For more information, call 866-780-05436 or visit the ReliOn recall web site for more information. Customers will be provided with a replacement package.
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
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Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
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