Federal health officials have announced a recall for certain insulin cartridge holders manufactured by Novo Nordisk, after receiving multiple consumer complaints of problems with the insulin pens cracking after being exposed to chemicals in common household cleaning agents. This may cause a delay or failure to deliver proper insulin doses, posing a serious risk for diabetics.

A Novopen Echo Insulin Delivery device recall was announced by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 6, following reports of the insulin cartridge holders cracking or breaking. The problems have been linked to common cleaning agent chemicals, leading to the manufacturer to recommend that patients using the recalled insulin pens should check their blood sugar levels more requently until new cartridge holders are received.

While no injuries have been reported in connection with the cracked or broken cartridge holders, diabetic patients may experience failure, delays, or improper doses of insulin due to the defect. According to the recall notice, manufacturing company Novo Nordisk, has recorded consumer complaints of patients experiencing high blood sugar episodes or other insulin deprivation symptoms even after using the Novopen Echo Insulin Delivery devices due to cracked insulin cartridges.

Under certain chemical exposures, such as cleaning agents that could be found in common household pantries, the devices cartridge holders may weaken and crack, resulting in a failure to administer the proper amount of insulin.

Diabetics that fail to receive the proper insulin doses may experience a wide variety of side effects and symptoms of high blood sugar that would typically include flushed or dry skin, lethargy, dry mouth, fruity breath, constant urination, dehydration, appetite loss, and nausea or vomiting.

The devices included in the recall are Novopen Echo Insulin Delivery devices with batch number EVG1221, EVG1226, FVG7149, FVG7458, FVG8134 and FVG8135. The devices were manufactured by the Danish multinational pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. They were distributed to the United States for sale to distributors, sales representatives and healthcare professionals and patients nationwide.

Customers with the recalled Novo Pen Echo Insulin Delivery devices are advised to notify their healthcare professionals immediately and check their blood sugar more frequently until they receive a free replacement device.

Novo Nordisk has begun notifying distributors, pharmacies, healthcare professionals and patients by email and is arranging for a product replacement. Customers with further questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact the manufacturers customer service department at 1-855-419-8827.

Tags: Diabetes, Diabetes Drug, Insulin, Medical Device Recall, Novo Nordisk