ReliOn Insulin Syringe Recall

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning for doctors and patients using ReliOn single-use syringes. Nearly half a million syringes, manufactured by Covidien Ltd, have been recalled because they pose a health risk to diabetic patients.

The recalled syringes could be mislabeled, leading patients to receive an insulin overdose as much as 2.5 times the intended dose. This could result in low blood sugar levels and serious health consequences, including death. During the packaging process, some syringes labeled for use with U-40 insulin were mixed with syringes labeled for use with U-100 insulin.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc sold the potentially dangerous syringes at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club from August 1 until October 8. The FDA said that Covidien has received an adverse event report linked to the lot numbered 813900.