LifeScan recalls OneTouch VerioIQ blood-glucose meters

MILPITAS, Calif. — LifeScan on Monday initiated a voluntary recall and replacement for all of its OneTouch VerioIQ blood-glucose meters in the United States, effective immediately.

“Our patients’ safety is our number one priority,” stated Michael Pfeifer, LifeScan’s chief medical officer. “When we learn that a product does not fully meet our expected standards, we will voluntarily notify our customers and patients and take corrective action. We regret the inconvenience these actions may cause. However, we will always err on the side of caution and make a decision that is in the best interest of our patients.”

LifeScan is recalling and replacing the meters because at extremely high blood glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL and above, the meter will not provide a warning that the blood glucose is extremely high and will shut off, thereby potentially leading to incorrect treatment and delaying proper treatment.

The likelihood of experiencing an extremely high blood glucose level of 1024 mg/dL or higher is remote; however, when such a blood glucose level occurs, it is a serious health risk requiring immediate medical attention. Because these products do not provide an appropriate warning at glucose levels of 1024 mg/dL or higher, diagnosis and treatment of extreme hyperglycemia may be delayed.

Patients who are using the OneTouch VerioIQ Meter should contact LifeScan Customer Service at (800) 717-0276 to make arrangements to receive a replacement meter at no charge and to speak with a LifeScan representative. Representatives are available 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EDT Monday through Sunday. Additional information about this recall is available on www.onetouch.com. 

Patients may continue to test with their OneTouch VerioIQ Meters while they wait for their replacement meter to arrive as long as they are aware of this issue, Lifescan stated. However, LifeScan advises that if the meter unexpectedly turns itself off during testing, this could be a sign of extreme hyperglycemia requiring immediate medical attention and the patient should call a healthcare professional.

Notifications are being sent to all registered users, healthcare professionals, pharmacies and distributors wherever these products are sold. LifeScan estimates that there are approximately 90,000 active OneTouch VerioIQ Meter users in the U.S. The company is in the process of implementing an update to the meter to address the issue, however, the timing to resume shipments of OneTouch VerioIQ Meters has not yet been determined.  

To date, no adverse events or patient injuries related to this specific issue have been reported for the OneTouch VerioIQ Meter. 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 by this recall.  

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