Thousands of insulin pens stolen from Dutch wholesaler, Novo Nordisk says

A Novo Nordisk spokesperson confirmed to the ANP news agency that thousands of insulin pens were stolen from a Dutch wholesaler in the week before 16 October. The company did not give an exact number or name the wholesaler. Police are investigating, ANP reported. [1]

Novo Nordisk says the pens are intended to treat people with type 2 diabetes. It warns that they could be resold to people seeking to lose weight and that using them in this way could pose serious health risks. The warning concerns possible resale, not a confirmed sale or use of the stolen pens. The company urges people to use the medicine only on prescription and not to buy medicines through unofficial channels. [1]

The spokesperson said a small quantity of weight-loss medicines was also stolen, without naming the product. The spokesperson said taking those medicines was not dangerous. The Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board advises that weight-loss medicines in general can cause side effects and should be used under a doctor’s supervision. Its guidance does not establish the risks associated with the unidentified stolen product. [1] [2]