FDA warns about counterfeit blood glucose test strips

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Friday warned diabetics not to use counterfeit blood glucose test strips that are being sold for use with various models of LifeScan Inc. One Touch brand blood glucose monitors.

The counterfeit test strips included those sold under the brand One Touch Basic Profile with lot numbers 272894A, 2619932 or 2606340.

Another fake batch was sold under the One Touch Ultra name with the lot number 2691191.

In a statement, FDA said that the counterfeit test strips potentially could give incorrect blood glucose values -- 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.

No injuries had been reported to FDA to date, the agency said, adding that FDA officials were still investigating the matter.

Consumers who had the counterfeit test strips should stop using them, replace them immediately and contact their physician, FDA said.

LifeScan, a unit of Johnson & Johnson, is also alerting the public via a press release and is notifying pharmacists, distributors, and wholesalers through a letter.

In its letter, the company is advising customers to contact their original source of supply for restitution.

Source: Xinhua