Product Defect Alert - October 2022

31st October 2022

URGENT: Product Defect Alert

Urgent Information Regarding the Omnipod DASH® Insulin Management System

Insulet REF: 9056196-10/11/2022-001-C

TGA REF: RC-2022-RN-01321-1

Affected Product:
 

Device Description Reference Number Serial Number ARTG Identifier
Omnipod DASH® Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM)  PDM-INT2-D001-MM
SKT-AUS-D001-MM
All serial numbers 344290

Dear Valued Customer,

Following consultation with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), you are receiving this commnunication as our records indicate you are a current or past user of the Omnipod DASH® Insulin Management System.  This notice is being communicated as a Product Defect Alert to provide information about the Omnipod DASH® Personal Diabetes Manager (PDM) battery and instructions to reduce the risk of DASH® PDM battery issues. It is important to note that no injuries have been reported to Insulet as a result of these Omnipod DASH® PDM battery issues.

This does NOT affect the Omnipod DASH® Pods.

Issue Description: We have received reports from some Omnipod DASH® users regarding PDM battery issues, including battery swelling, fluid leaking from the battery and in rare cases, extreme overheating which may pose a fire hazard.  Our investigation has determined that the Omnipod DASH® PDM is at increased risk if charged to full capacity, particularly if left to charge for extended periods of time (e.g. overnight). Omnipod DASH® PDMs in use more than 18 months may have an increased likelihood of this issue occurring.

Solution: We have identified an update to the Omnipod DASH® PDM that will address this issue.  We expect to begin shipping updated Omnipod DASH® PDMs to all customers in the coming months.

You do not need to call to receive an updated Omnipod DASH® PDM, one will automatically be shipped to you when available.

Until you receive your updated Omnipod DASH® PDM, please follow the actions below.

Actions to Users

Monitor your Omnipod DASH PDM for the following issues:

  • The Omnipod DASH® PDM back cover is bulging or cannot close.  You may need to remove the PDM gel skin to observe any of these issues.  Do not apply pressure to the back cover if it is deformed in any way.
  • The Omnipod DASH® PDM experiences extreme overheating (uncomfortable to hold) or emits an odor while charging, during use, or in storage.
  • The Omnipod DASH® PDM does not turn on within 45 minutes of being connected to the charger or turns off immediately after being removed from the charger.  If your PDM battery loses its charge very quickly (more than you have previously experienced) or if it takes more than 1.5 hours to reach 80% charge, contact Insulet’s Customer Care team.

If you experience any of the issues listed above, do NOT charge the Omnipod DASH PDM and STOP using the system and switch to your backup insulin plan recommended by your HCP as soon as possible. Promptly contact Insulet’s dedicated Customer Care team specifically trained to help you at 1800-954-074 or +61-272-084-352 to request a temporary replacement device.

Continue to use your Omnipod DASH® PDM if you do not experience any of the symptoms listed above and follow the actions below to reduce the risk of PDM battery issues:   

  • Do NOT remove the battery from the Omnipod DASH® PDM for any reason, even if the User Guide recommends it for troubleshooting.  If you are in a situation where removal of the battery is recommended by the User Guide or PDM screen message, do not remove the battery and contact Insulet’s Customer Care team at 1800-954-074 or +61-272-084-352.
  • Do NOT continue charging the Omnipod DASH® PDM after it reaches 85% of charge.  This means you should not charge your device overnight and you should monitor the device while charging.
  • Do NOT charge the PDM if the surrounding temperature is 31°C (87°F) or higher.  Do not charge the PDM in direct sunlight.
  • If the Omnipod DASH® PDM is unusually warm, leave the PDM unplugged and idle at room temperature until it cools down. Do not charge the PDM when it feels unusually warm to the touch.
  • Do NOT use your Omnipod DASH® PDM while it is charging. 
  • Always inspect your Omnipod DASH® PDM before charging (remove gel skin / cover) for any deformity, back cover bulging, battery leakage, signs of damage at the charging port, or difficulty closing the back cover.

We understand this may impact your experience and are here to support you. We will notify you when we start to ship the updated Omnipod DASH® PDM.

If you have any questions regarding the information provided in this Product Defect Alert, please see the Frequently Asked Questions below or call 1800-954-074 or +61-272-084-352 to speak to the Insulet Customer Care team. 

Sincerely,  

Your Omnipod® Team

Signature of Michael Spears Signature of Michael Spears

Michael Spears 
Insulet Corporation 
Senior Vice President, 
Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

I believe my Omnipod DASH® PDM is experiencing one or more of the issues outlined in the Product Defect Alert, how do I get a replacement?

The Product Defect Alert says to stop using the PDM if it is experiencing certain issues. How do I manage my diabetes until I receive my replacement Omnipod DASH® PDM?

Does this issue impact any other Omnipod® products?

Should I change the Omnipod DASH® PDM battery to prevent this issue?

Is it safe to use a different charger?

What can I do to limit these issues from happening?

How much should I charge my Omnipod DASH® PDM?

Should I charge my PDM overnight?

Does this impact all Omnipod DASH® PDMs?

Will Insulet continue to sell Omnipod DASH®?

My Omnipod DASH® PDM is functioning normally, what should I do?

Can this issue affect the performance of the Omnipod DASH® Insulin Delivery System? (i.e. will it deliver inaccurate insulin volume?)

If my PDM is at the recommended maximum 85% charge level, am I able to connect to upload/download my data?

If the PDM is left in direct sunlight and gets very warm, am I able to use my PDM?