Insulin Syringe and Catheter Sheath Medical Device Recalls

Yesterday, all Accusure insulin syringes distributed since January 2002 were recalled by device manufacturer Qualitest Pharmaceuticals. The Huntsville, AL-based manufacturer of Accusure estimates the recall affects 250 million insulin syringes. So far, the company has admitted four reports of the needle detaching from the syringe. These recalled Accusure insulin syringes were distributed wholesale and at retail pharmacies throughout the U.S., including Tennessee.

Previously, Qualitest Pharmaceuticals recalled two lots of syringes distributed in 2007 and 2008. This week’s recall expands the range of potentially unsafe insulin syringes back to those Qualitest has distributed since January 2002. These recalled medical products have the following descriptions and national drug codes:

* 28G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-6995-21;
* 28G 1cc, NDC 0603-6996-21;
* 29G 1/2cc NDC 0603-6997-21;
* 29G 1cc, NDC 0603-6998-21;
* 30G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-999-21;
* 30G 1cc, NDC 0603-7000-21;
* 31G 1/2cc, NDC 0603-7001-21; and * 31G 1cc, NDC 0603-7002-21.

Consumers should immediate stop usage and contact Qualitest at (800) 444-4011 for reimbursement.

In other medical product recall news, Cordis Corporation today initiated a recall of its CROSSOVER™ Sheath Introducer. Apparently this defective product (manufactured by Thomas Medical Products, Inc. and distributed by Cordis) is prone to fracturing inside a patient’s vein or artery. Designed as a long-coil, kink-resistant catheter sheath for introducing devices or injecting fluids into the blood stream (percuraneous) when not malfunctioning, the medical device company has received complaints that the sheath can stretch or even fracture during use. When this device fractures, pieces break off and can create embolisms or otherwise block blood flow. The reinforced coil can puncture the blood vessel, forcing the physician to perform unplanned open surgery to control bleeding.

So far, Cordis admits to receiving six complaints, none of which were for permanent injury. Recall is for all Sheath Introducers distributed from August 14, 2009 to September 23, 2009.

If a defective medical device has caused you or a loved one injury, contact the Higgins Firm to explore your legal options with a defective medical device injury lawyer. Call 1.800.705.2121 or complete our defective medical device injury form. Our injury lawyers accept cases throughout Tennessee and select cases in Georgia and Kentucky.