A safety information notice has been released regarding potenially defective cartridges used for insulin treatment by patients with diabetes.
Novo Nordisk found that insulin cartridge holders used in a small number of NovoPen, Echo and NovoPen 5 batches may crack or break if exposed to certain chemicals, including some cleaning products.
The pharmaceutical company has urged people with diabetes using a the epipens from one of the affected batches to replace the cartridge holder as some could be damaged.
The list of affected batches for NovoPen/Echo and NovoPen 5 can be viewed online.
The batch numbers are printed as a serial number on the side of the epipens.
Pharmacists should tell patients that if their NovoPen is from one of the affected batches that they should contact the company to receive a replacement.
If patients have an epipen with a batch number which is not mentioned in the list then the company said 'there is no reason for concern and you can be confident that the device will work as intended'.
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