Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) is recalling nearly 400,000 insulin cartridges made by its Animas subsidary because of the risk that they might leak insulin.
Animas sent out a letter to patients Feb. 24 detailing the recall, saying "some of the 2.0 mL insulin cartridges shipped between Nov. 30, 2010 and Jan. 4, 2011, can leak insulin, resulting in the delivery of less insulin than intended. In addition, if the cartridge has a leak, the pump may not alarm if there is an occlusion in the infusion set," according to the letter.
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"It is important that you check your cartridge supply and stop using these cartridges immediately," Animas wrote. "Please note that under-delivery of insulin can cause high blood sugar and/or diabetic ketoacidosis. These are serious conditions that can cause severe health impact, including death. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis may include nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath and excess thirst/urination."
The New Brunswick, N.J.-based company said it received reports of “several cases” in which the cartidges leaked and that it will replace any faulty cartridges for free. The recall affects five lots of the cartridges: B201575, B201576, B201581, B201582 and B201583.
