Abbott FreeStyle InsuLinx Blood Glucose Meter Recall Issued

About 50,000 Abbott blood glucose meters were recalled this week, due to a risk that they may provide inaccurate readings, which could place diabetic users at risk of severe injury or death. 

An Abbott FreeStyle Insulix Blood Glucose Meter recall was announced on April 15, indicating that the devices may malfunction and display a glucose level of 1,024 mg per deciliter lower than the actual level, causing a delay in treatment.

For example, the meters will display a reading of “10” if the true level is 1,034 mg per deciliter. This can cause life threatening situations because a blood glucose level of 1,024 is extremely high and requires immediate medical attention.

At least one report has been identified involving problems with the Abbott FreeStyle InsuLinx meter, involving a user who required medical treatment after experiencing hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.

Abbott Laboratories recommended that users take either of the following two actions to fix the problem:

• Users may visit www.freestyleinsulinx.com/swupdate to download software to correct the issue. The program will maintain the settings and historical data recorded on the meters
• Users may also contact Abbott Diabetes Care Customer Service at 1-866-723-2697 and request to return and replace the meter free of charge.

Last month Johnson & Johnson issued a recall involving nearly 2 million OneTouch Verio IQ blood glucose meters worldwide, due to a potential risk that they may fail to operate correctly at high blood glucose levels.

Johnson & Johnson as well as two other blood glucose meter manufacturers face an insulin overdose wrongful death lawsuit allegedly linked to inaccurate insulin readings from OneTouch Ultra Blood Glucose meter and test strips.

Abbott recommends that users be cautious of their symptoms until they install the software or receive new meters while still using the recalled FreeStyle Insulix as the meter may not be showing the accurate reading and users may need medical treatment.