Defective Baxter Colleague Infusion Pumps Recalled by FDA
People have needs for nutrients and medication when they are suffering from severe medical problems, and when these people are unable to handle the intake of these substances by themselves, they tend to make use of pumps that provide regular and controlled doses of these substances. One of the leading manufacturers of these pumps is Baxter International, but a slew of recalls and problems have led to a need for help from a Baxter Colleague Infusion pump recall lawyer. Below is an overview of this issue.
Reasons for the Baxter Colleague Infusion Pump Recall
The situation involving defective Baxter Colleague Infusion pumps has actually been festering for more than a decade. The FDA originally began to regulate and deal with the problems posed by these products in 1999, and since then there have been three Class I recalls, including the recall announced today. There have been many different reasons for the Baxter Colleague Infusion pump recall, including the following defects:
- Electrical problems
- Software malfunctions
- Battery problems
- The tendency to overheat and create smoke and fire
All of these problems can lead to the Baxter Colleague Infusion pump shutting down unexpectedly, which can be disastrous for an unsuspecting patient. In fact, there have been more than 56,000 adverse effect reports that are linked to the use of these products and more than 500 deaths.
The Failed Negotiations with the FDA
Ultimately, Baxter proposed a schedule of repairs and improvements with the FDA that was delivered to the agency in April of 2010. This schedule included a start date of 2012 and a completion date of 2013. This was deemed unacceptable by the FDA, as 200,000 units of these defective Baxter Colleague Infusion pumps remain on the market even though none have been introduced since 2005.
Contact a Baxter Colleague Infusion Pump Recall Lawyer
Ultimately, the tragic fact remains that thousands of patients who depended on these products have had them fail and have suffered as a result, including hundreds who have paid with their lives. If this includes you or someone you love, contact the Baxter Colleague Infusion Pump recall lawyers at the Phillips National Injury Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
