Dud diabetes test strips could give diabetics wrong info

Oct 16 2006

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. has alerted the public that a brand of blood glucose test strips used by people with diabetes to measure their blood glucose, are counterfeit.

The strips are being sold in the United States for use with various models of LifeScan, One Touch Brand Blood Glucose Monitors which are used by diabetics.

The FDA is concerned that the counterfeit strips could possibly give incorrect blood glucose readings, either too high or too low - which might result in a patient taking either too much or too little insulin and lead to serious injury or death.

To date no injuries have been reported to FDA.

The counterfeit test strips were distributed to pharmacies and stores nationwide but mostly in Ohio, New York, Florida, Maryland and Missouri by Medical Plastic Devices, Inc., Quebec, Canada and Champion Sales, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.

The FDA advises consumers who have the counterfeit test strips not to use them, replace them immediately and contact their physician.

Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-621-4855.

The counterfeit 'One Touch Basic/Profile Test Strips' can be identified by the following characteristics:

Lot Numbers 272894A, 2619932 or 2606340
Multiple Languages- English, Greek and Portuguese text on the outer carton
Limited to 50-Count One Touch (Basic/Profile) Test Strip packages
Counterfeit One Touch Ultra Test Strips

Lot Number 2691191
Multiple Languages- English and French text on the outer carton
Limited to 50-Count One Touch Ultra Test Strip packages

LifeScan itself alerted the FDA about the counterfeit test strips and the agency is now investigating the matter.

The company is also alerting the public via a press release and is notifying pharmacists, distributors, and wholesalers by means of a letter a letter.