Covidien recalls syringes posing risk to diabetics

[douglas9]

Source: Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health officials warned doctors and patients on Wednesday that Covidien Ltd was recalling nearly half a million single-use syringes that could pose a serious risk to diabetics.

The Food and Drug Administration said the possibly mislabeled ReliOn syringes could lead to patients receiving an insulin overdose of as much as 2.5 times the intended dose, leading to low blood sugar levels and serious health consequences, including death.

During the packaging process, some syringes labeled for use with U-40 insulin were mixed with syringes labeled for use with U-100 insulin.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc sold the syringes at Wal-Mart stores and Sam's Clubs from August 1 until October 8, the FDA said.



Read more: http://www.reuters.com/articlePrint?articleId=USTRE4A500Q20081106

[nightrain]

1. oh, figures it would be walmart,,,

[Grinchie]

2. The High Cost of Low Prices

"possibly mislabled... could lead to... death." Fine milquetoast verbage straight from the do nothing FDA.

[blondeatlast]

3. TWO TIMES the intended dose? Death could come within MINUTES

with fast-acting insulin.

Not to mention it would be a pretty horrifying death to witness in many people (including me; I seize violently with hypoglycemia).

Low blood sugar is a very immediate danger for diabetics; at least hyperglycenia takes time to do serious damage.

[jmowreader]

4. How could they get this wrong, I wonder...

I looked it up...U-40 syringes have red caps and markings, U-100 syringes have orange caps and black markings.