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• counterfeit insulin needles removed from Dutch market

The counterfeit insulin needles distributed on the Dutch market in the first quarter of this year have been removed from the market following an intensive recall action. The Netherlands Health Care Inspectorate announced on 20 June that diabetics still held an estimated 300 boxes of counterfeit insulin needles, despite earlier recall actions.

When Mediq Direct Diabetes first received complaints about the ease of use of the counterfeit insulin needles late in March, it immediately stopped supplying them to its customers. On enquiry, it turned out that counterfeit insulin needles had been found in the United Kingdom a few days prior to these complaints. It turned out that Mediq Direct Diabetes had supplied needles from the same batch. All customers were called or written immediately, asking them to dispose of the needles or to return them. The Netherlands Health Care Inspectorate stated on 20 June that 300 boxes of counterfeit insulin needles (with 100 needles a box) were still unaccounted for. The needles in question are Novofine® needles 31G 0.25 mm x 6 mm (Novo Nordisk Ltd) with batch number 08J02S, expiration date 08/2013.

Last week, Mediq Direct Diabetes again called all customers that had received the counterfeit needles between mid-February and late March 2009. Customers that could not be reached by telephone were called on in person. As to the majority of the needles, customers have confirmed that the needles have been disposed of. The remainder is now in the possession of Mediq Direct Diabetes. Chances that the counterfeit needles will be used after all, are thus minimised. In so far as is known, the counterfeit needles did not cause any health problems.


Further tightening of checks
Mediq Direct Diabetes has tightened its procedures, in order to prevent the distribution of counterfeit medical supplies in the future. In the event of future product recalls it will ensure amongst others that the goods in question are returned. In addition, the Netherlands Health Care Inspectorate will immediately be notified in the future. Mediq and the sector association for distribution companies of medical technology and supplies are currently in the process of investigating how counterfeit products can best be kept off the market.

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