Abbott advises FreeStyle Libre reader patients that power adapter poses fire hazard

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Abbott FreeStyle Libre reader overview: 

• Who: Abbott issued a safety notice about how to properly use its lithium-ion battery-powered glucose readers.
• Why: If not used correctly, the devices pose a safety and fire risk.
• Where: The Abbott FreeStyle Libre reader safety notification is active in the United States.

Abbott issued a safety notification for a group of glucose readers sold in the United States that can pose a risk of overheating if not stored, used or charged properly. 

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) website published the safety notification April 3. It applies to all serial numbers of glucose readers used as part of the FreeStyle Libre, FreeStyle Libre 14-day and FreeStyle Libre 2 Flash Glucose Monitoring Systems.

According to the notice, if not properly stored, charged or used with the Abbott-provided yellow USB cable and power adapter, the battery could swell and, in rare cases, overheat, which may pose a fire hazard.

“The FreeStyle Libre family of readers use lithium-ion batteries, like the kinds used in mobile phones and many other handheld electronic devices, which have the potential for battery swelling, leakage or extreme overheating,” the notice states. “Users should ensure they always use the Abbott-provided yellow USB cable and power adapter.” 

The readers are safe when properly stored, charged and used only with their accompanying USB cable and power adapter, the company says.

Some cases of battery catching fire reported, Abbott FreeStyle Libre reader notice states

Abbott initiated a voluntary medical device correction in February to emphasize instructions for its FreeStyle Libre, FreeStyle Libre 14-day and FreeStyle Libre® 2 Readers in the United States, it says.

This was due to a “limited number” of reports worldwide (0.0017%) from users over several years that their reader’s lithium-ion battery swelled, infrequently overheated or, in very rare cases, sparked or caught fire, the company says. 

“No readers are being physically recalled and customers can continue to use their Readers with the Abbott-provided USB cable and power adapter,” Abbott says.

Click here for guidance on how to properly store, charge and use an Abbott FreeStyle Libre reader and its accompanying USB cable and power adapter.

Since Abbott FreeStyle Libre Readers launched in the U.S. in 2017, there have been no reported incidents of serious adverse health consequences or death due to the issue, Abbott adds.

In other Abbott news, the company faces a criminal investigation, as well as investigations from federal financial watchdogs, following a nationwide baby formula shortage.

If your child developed a bacterial infection after consuming recalled Abbott baby formula products, you may qualify to participate in this Abbott baby formula injuries lawsuit investigation.

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