Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc announced that a quantity of NovoLog (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) has been discovered missing from a contracted storage facility. The NovoLog 10mL vials (NDC 0169-7501-11 Control: NW51283) did not circulate through the normal Novo Nordisk distribution channel and therefore proper storage conditions for the insulin may not have been followed. Novo Nordisk is asking any patient or customer that has NovoLog vials marked Control: NW51283 to not use the vials and to contact the Novo Nordisk Customer Support Department at 1-800-727-6500 as soon as possible.
NovoLog 10mL vials are readily available. Novo Nordisk continues to have ample stock of NovoLog to supply to US customers. Novo Nordisk stands behind the safety and quality of all of its products.
Dr. Peter Aurup, Novo Nordisk vice president of Drug Development said, "When NovoLog 10mL vials are not stored at their proper refrigerated temperatures, the insulin may lose its pharmacoactive potential and not work as it is intended to for patients with diabetes. Patients may therefore not have proper blood glucose control."
The shipment of NovoLog from the Novo Nordisk manufacturing facility in Denmark was being held in temporary cargo storage at SAS Airlines in Newark, NJ following US customs clearance. The product was discovered missing when Novo Nordisk's carrier attempted to transfer it to the company's warehouse. Because the product was not missing before July 26, 2003, consumers do not need to be concerned about NovoLog that they obtained before then. Appropriate Federal Law Enforcement Agencies have been contacted and an investigation into this matter is ongoing.