October 13, 2006
Government investigators are warning consumers with diabetes to avoid counterfeit blood glucose test strips reportedly being sold in the United States. The bogus strips are for use with various models of LifeScan, Inc., One Touch Brand Blood Glucose Monitors.
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.
As of now, the Food and Drug Administration says no injuries have been reported.
The counterfeit test strips are:
• One Touch Basic /Profile (lot #272894A, 2619932 or 2606340) test strips; and,
• One Touch Ultra (lot #2691191) test strips.
Consumers who have the counterfeit test strips should stop using them, replace them immediately and contact their physician. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-866-621-4855.
The counterfeit test strips were distributed to pharmacies and stores nationwide -- but primarily in Ohio, New York, Florida, Maryland and Missouri -- by Medical Plastic Devices, Inc., Quebec, Canada and Champion Sales, Inc., Brooklyn, N.Y.
The counterfeit test strips can be identified by the following characteristics:
Counterfeit One Touch Basic/Profile Test Strips
• 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 alerted FDA of the counterfeit test strips. The agency said it is investigating the matter.
