Johnson & Johnson recalls OneTouch VerioIQ blood glucose meters due to malfunction
LifeScan, Inc., a Johnson & Johnson company, is recalling a line of its blood glucose meters used by patients with diabetes, because the machines shut off when an "extremely high" blood glucose level is registered.
The company announced in a March 25th press release that it would recall all of its OneTouch VerioIQ blood glucose meters in the United States, effective immediately. It estimates that 90,000 Americans actively use this meter.
Consumers can contact the company at 800-717-0276 to make a arrangements to receive a replacement.
Instead of providing a warning, the meter turns itself off if it reads a blood glucose level of 1024 mg/dL and above, "thereby potentially leading to incorrect treatment and delaying proper treatment," according to a company statement.
LifeScan added that the likelihood of experiencing a blood glucose reading that high is remote. However, in the cases it does, it represents a serious health risk that require immediate medical attention or it may result in death.
The American Diabetes Association suggests blood glucose after a meal is kept less than 180 mg/dL.
"We regret the inconvenience these actions may cause," Dr. Michael Pfeifer, LifeScan's Chief Medical Officer, said in a statement. "However, we will always err on the side of caution and make a decision that is in the best interest of our patients."
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All registered users in addition to health care professionals and pharmacies that distribute the meters are being sent notifications of the recall.
All other OneTouch blood glucose brands sold in the U.S., including OneTouch Ultra Meters, OneTouch Select Meters and OneTouch Verio Test Strips, are not affected.
Outside the U.S., OneTouch VerioIQ, OneTouch VerioPro and OneTouch VerioPro+ Brands are being recalled.
The Associated Press reported the recall is the latest in about three dozen since 2009 by the world's biggest provider of health care products. Most have involved non-prescription medications.
