Recall alert: 322K insulin pumps recalled after 26,000 malfunctions, one death

Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall of more than 322,000 insulin pumps because of a missing or broken retainer ring.

They were made by Medtronic.

The ring locks a cartridge into the pump's reservoir compartment. If the insulin cartridge is not locked correctly, either too much or too little may be given resulting in either hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Severe hyperglycemia can result in loss of consciousness, seizure or death, according to the FDA.

There have been more than 26,000 complaints of malfunctions with 2,175 injuries and one death.

Recalled pumps include:

  • Model 630G (MMT-1715), all lots before October 2019, distributed from September 2016 to October 2019
  • Model 670G (MMT-1780), all lots before August 2019, distributed from July 2017 to August 2019

The MiniMed pumps are for patients with Type 1 diabetes. The model 630G is used by patients who are at least 16 years old, while the 670G model is for patients who are at least 14 years old.

If you have the pump, you may already have been notified in November.

You’re being advised to check the retainer ring on the pump, Stop using it if it is loose, damaged or missing, and if the reservoir does not lock into the device. You’re also being advised that if you stop using it, call your doctor for the next steps and use manual insulin injections.

If the reservoir locks into the device correctly, the FDA says you can continue using it, but make sure that the reservoir is locked into the pump correctly each time you change the cartridge. If it is dropped, check the pump and ring for any damage.

If you have any questions about the recall, you can call the company 24-hours a day at 877-585-0166.

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