Stolen Levemir Insulin Still Poses Threat to Diabetics, FDA Warns

Vials of long-acting Levemir insulin, which were reported stolen in June, may still be in circulation and pose a serious risk of injury to diabetic patients, the Food and Drug Administration is warning.

Three lots of Levemir consisting of about 129,000 vials of the Novo Nordisk Inc. drug were stolen in North Carolina. Only about two percent of the stolen vials have been recovered by authorities and it is feared that the drug is not being handled or stored properly, making it dangerous to users who purchase it on the black market.

The FDA said today it has received “multiple reports” of patients suffering adverse events caused by poor control of glucose levels after using vials of insulin from the stolen Levemir lots. Because so many of the stolen insulin vials have not yet been recovered and presumably remain in circulation, the potential for further injuries is immense.

The FDA is still investigating the insulin theft and asking for the public’s help in tracking down the thieves. Anyone with information about the theft of the Levemir insulin is asked to contact the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) by calling 800-551-3989 or by visiting the OCI Web site.

Also, the FDA has issued the following advice to users of Levemir insulin:

• Check your personal supply of insulin to determine if you have Levemir insulin from one of the following lots: XZF0036; XZF0037; XZF0038. You can locate the lot number on the side of the box of insulin and also on the side of the vial.

• Do not use your Levemir insulin if it is from one of these lots. Replace it with a vial of Levemir insulin from another lot. If you must switch to another brand of insulin for any reason, first contact your health care provider because another insulin product may require adjustments in dosing.

• Always look at your insulin carefully before using it. Levemir is a clear and colorless solution.

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