Warning

US warns stolen Novo Nordisk insulin may be harmful
Published August 26, 2009
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Stolen vials of Novo Nordisk insulin for diabetics may still be on the market and may be harmful, U.S. regulators warned on Wednesday.

"Evidence gathered to date suggests that the stolen insulin was not stored and handled properly and may be dangerous for people to use," a Food and Drug Administration statement said.

The FDA warned in June that 129,000 vials of Novo's long-acting Levemir insulin had been stolen in North Carolina. Only about 2 percent has been recovered, the agency said.

Three patients reported unstable blood glucose after using insulin from the stolen lots, FDA spokeswoman Karen Riley said.

The agency advised patients not to use insulin from the stolen lots, which are labeled with XZF0036, XZF0037 or XZF0038 on the side of the insulin box and on the vial.

The FDA posted the notice at http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm166358.htm