Mislabeled ReliOn Insulin Syringes may cause Hypoglycemia or Death

On October 9, 2008, Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Covidien), manufacturer of ReliOn insulin syringes, notified its distributor that it would be conducting a voluntary recall on a certain lot of mislabeled ReliOn sterile, single-use, disposable, hypodermic syringes. Can-Am Care Corporation is the distributor for ReliOn insulin syringes, which are sold exclusively at Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs. The mislabeled ReliOn insulin syringes may cause serious healthcare concerns to its diabetic users, such as hypoglycemia or even death.

Using the mislabeled, single-use syringes may result in patients overdosing, by taking in approximately 2.5 times more than the expected dosage. If a diabetic were to use the faulty ReliOn syringe, they may experience serious symptoms as a result of the higher insulin dosage. These symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Headaches
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Tremors, trembling hands
• Irregular heartbeat
• Rapid heart rate
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level)
• Death

The recall applies to Lot Number 813900, “ReliOn 1 cc, 31-guage, 100 units for use with U-100 insulin”. The mislabeling occurred because some of the syringes labeled U-40 insulin were mixed together with U-100 insulin. These were packaged individually and then placed in boxes of 100 units, all labeled for U-100 insulin use. There were 4,710 boxes in the recalled lot. Therefore, there are 471,000 individual syringes that were mislabeled and may lead to possible overdose. Can-Am Care Corporation made these syringes available to consumers at Walmart stores and Sam’s Clubs from August 1, 2008 until October 8, 2008. To identify whether or not a patient has one of the defective ReliOn syringes, they should look for the Lot Number on the rear panel of the 100 count syringe box, or on the white backside of the individual syringe “peel-pack”.

Over 16,500 Walmart and Sam’s Club customers who purchased the syringes were notified of the ReliOn insulin syringe recall by letter on October 14, 2008. Also, Walmart and Sam’s Club posted the recall announcements on their website and in their stores. Although these steps were taken to alert consumers of the risks of using the mislabeled ReliOn syringes, the manufacturer has already received one report of adverse reaction by use of the mislabeled ReliOn syringe lot.

In an effort to prevent other individuals from being harmed by the mislabeled ReliOn insulin syringes, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release on November 5, 2008. In its statement, the FDA encouraged patients and healthcare personnel to thoroughly examine all of their insulin products for these recalled syringes.

If you believe that you or a loved one has suffered as a result of the mislabeled ReliOn insulin syringes, you may want to speak with an attorney, today, regarding your potential lawsuit. A lawyer familiar with new developments in the investigation of ReliOn may be able to help you make important personal and legal decisions. Give us a call at 1-800-992-6878 or CLICK HERE for a free consultation.