The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning today to physicans and diabetic patients about the ReliOn single-dose insulin syringes recently recalled by their manufacturer, Covidien Ltd.  The voluntary recall began on October 9, when it was discovered a mix-up in the packaging process caused syringes containing U-40 insulin to be packaged with U-100 insulin syringes.

The U-100 insulin syringes contain 2.5 times more insulin than the U-40 syringes, increasing a patient’s chance of experiencing a dangerous insulin overdose.  An insulin overdose can cause numerous health issues, including blood sugar levels dropping dramatically, a situation that can be life threatening.

The syringes under recall were sold at Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club stores between August 1 and October 8.  On October 9, Covidien issued a recall, asking that the syringes in question be removed from store shelves and placed in quarantine until further notice.  The recall order was posted on Wal-Mart’s website and letters of notification were sent to more than 16,500 Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club customers.

Thus far, only one report of adverse event has been reported.  The syringe in question came from lot #813900.  Medical professionals and consumers who think they might have some of the recalled syringes are asked to contact the FDA or Covidien about further action.