Health authorities issue URGENT recall of faulty, fire-hazard insulin pumps
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Health and quality assurance experts are urging users of a medical device to be mindful of the potential risks after concerns have been raised regarding its safety.
The battery pack of the Omnipod DASH personal diabetes manager (PDM), a medical device used to administer insulin to people with diabetes, was reported to have defects that may cause 'serious injuries or death' to users.
Product Safety Australia alerted that the battery of the hand-held companion of the smartphone-looking device could swell, leak fluid and even overheat, which could cause a fire.
They have advised users that the device should not be used in these circumstances.
The recall statement on the Product Safety Australia website read: 'If the PDM becomes inoperable there may be a delay in therapy. If insulin delivery is suspended, this may lead to major hyperglycemia which can result in serious health complications.'
'In severe cases of hyperglycemia, the user may experience diabetic ketoacidosis and may require hospitalisation or intervention from a medical professional.'
It should be noted, however, that the Pod device is not affected by the recall.
PDM users were advised to avoid charging the device if its battery compartment is bulging or if the device is overheating.
The product should also not be charged in these situations: if the item does not turn on after 45 minutes of being plugged in or if it automatically turns off after being removed.
According to Product Safety Australia, devices can still be used even if the battery is only charged to about 85% of its maximum capacity.
The warning read: 'Do not charge the device overnight.'
They also advise against charging the gadget in areas under direct sunlight or environments where the temperature is above 31C.
'Do not charge the PDM when it feels unusually warm,' it added.
Insulet Corporation, the manufacturer of PDMs, is already developing a software modification that will reduce the charging capacity.
To lower the chance of overcharging devices, it was claimed that all PDMs would be supplied to consumers with the upgraded software 'in the coming months'.
For those of you who have PDMs and have questions regarding the recall, it is recommended that you reach out to Insulet's customer service via phone at 1800 954 074 or +61 272 084 352. You may also visit their Contact Us page to fill out a form for your enquiries.
Stay safe out there, members!
The battery pack of the Omnipod DASH personal diabetes manager (PDM), a medical device used to administer insulin to people with diabetes, was reported to have defects that may cause 'serious injuries or death' to users.
Product Safety Australia alerted that the battery of the hand-held companion of the smartphone-looking device could swell, leak fluid and even overheat, which could cause a fire.
They have advised users that the device should not be used in these circumstances.
The hand-held PDM, which commands actions to the body-worn device, may catch fire if the battery overheats, according to the product recall. Credit: Omnipod.
The recall statement on the Product Safety Australia website read: 'If the PDM becomes inoperable there may be a delay in therapy. If insulin delivery is suspended, this may lead to major hyperglycemia which can result in serious health complications.'
'In severe cases of hyperglycemia, the user may experience diabetic ketoacidosis and may require hospitalisation or intervention from a medical professional.'
It should be noted, however, that the Pod device is not affected by the recall.
PDM users were advised to avoid charging the device if its battery compartment is bulging or if the device is overheating.
The product should also not be charged in these situations: if the item does not turn on after 45 minutes of being plugged in or if it automatically turns off after being removed.
According to Product Safety Australia, devices can still be used even if the battery is only charged to about 85% of its maximum capacity.
The warning read: 'Do not charge the device overnight.'
They also advise against charging the gadget in areas under direct sunlight or environments where the temperature is above 31C.
'Do not charge the PDM when it feels unusually warm,' it added.
Insulet Corporation, the manufacturer of PDMs, is already developing a software modification that will reduce the charging capacity.
To lower the chance of overcharging devices, it was claimed that all PDMs would be supplied to consumers with the upgraded software 'in the coming months'.
For those of you who have PDMs and have questions regarding the recall, it is recommended that you reach out to Insulet's customer service via phone at 1800 954 074 or +61 272 084 352. You may also visit their Contact Us page to fill out a form for your enquiries.
Stay safe out there, members!
