Over 1.7 million faulty blood glucose testing strips have been sent to pharmacies across the UK.
GlucoMen LX Sensor blood glucose test strips give inaccurate readings, which could lead people to overestimate the amount of insulin they need.
Although the manufacturing fault has been resolved, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned people not to use the strips.
People can check if they have the affected test strips at home by looking for the lot numbers below on the tubs of test strips:
– Lot 3212219249, expiry date 31-08-2014
– Lot 3212214249, expiry date 31-08-2014
While they GlucoMen LX has not been sold in the UK since November 2012, it s possible that some of the unused faulty blood test strips may still remain in people’s homes. People can get alternative test strips. Other lots of these test strips are not affected and they can continue to be used.
John Wilkinson, the MHRA’s director of Medical Devices, said: “People who have GlucoMen LX Sensor blood glucose test strips from these specific lots at home should not use them. The manufacturing fault in these test strips could give a misleading reading that may result in people overestimating the amount of insulin they need to take.
“This fault has been resolved and the two affected lots of faulty test strips have not been sold in the UK since November. There is no evidence that any patients in the UK have been adversely affected by the faulty test strips.”
GPs and diabetes clinics should be prepared to give advice about what alternative test strips can be used.
If people have the faulty test strips at home they can telephone the manufacturer’s Menarini on 0800 243667 to receive free replacements.
