WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is reminding the public that stolen vials of the long-acting insulin Levemir might still be on the market.
"Evidence gathered to date suggests that the stolen insulin was not stored and handled properly and may be dangerous for people to use," the FDA said, noting it has received multiple reports of patients who suffered adverse events due to poor control of glucose levels after using a vial from one of the stolen lots.
The theft, reported in June, involved three lots of Levemir totaling 129,000 vials, the FDA said. So far only about 2 percent of the stolen insulin has been recovered.
Federal officials are advising patients who use Levemir insulin to:
-- Determine if you have Levemir insulin from one of the stolen lots: XZF0036; XZF0037; XZF0038. The lot number is located on the side of the box of insulin and also on the side of the vial.
-- Do not use your Levemir insulin if it's from one of those lots. Replace it with a vial of Levemir insulin from another lot. If you must switch to another brand of insulin, first contact your health care provider because another insulin product might require adjustments in dosing.
-- If you have any of the stolen insulin, report the information to the FDA's Office of Criminal Investigations at 800-551-3989.
