Breast Pump Power Adapters Recalled Over Shock Issues

The FDA has announced a voluntary recall by Playtex Manufacturing Inc. of certain AC/DC power adapters that are used with its Playtex Nurser Deluxe Double Electric Breast Pump. 

The company says that the casing on some adapters may become loose and can separate, resulting in a potential for electric shock. Although no injuries had been reported as of the date of the recall announcement, Playtex says it is "taking this action out of an abundance of caution."

The recall story is but another example of the wide variety of ways something can go wrong wrong with a medical device, even something sold to a consumer market.

According to the FDA recall announcement, the affected adapters were manufactured from November 2012 through July 2013. The products subject to the recall can be identified by their product serial number (P12324-XXXX through P13205-XXXX). Alternatively, the product can be identified by adapter production code (1241 through 1324). The adapters were sold along with the Playtex Nurser Deluxe Double Electric Breast Pump and were not sold separately.

The Playtex Nurser Deluxe Double Electric Breast Pump was sold at nationwide, specialty, and online retailers. In other words, just about everywhere that one might expect to find one of these. Playtex is notifying its retail partners to return any remaining products with affected AC/DC adapters.

Consumers who have purchased an affected product should contact Playtex for a replacement by calling 1-888-207-1492 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, or online at www.playtexproducts.com. Playtex advises that consumers should immediately discontinue use of the adapter if it shows signs of separating.

FDA encourages healthcare professionals and users of these devices to report any adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. This can be accomplished by completing and submitting the report online at www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm. This form can also be downloaded, completed, and mailed or faxed to the number below.

Anyone wishing to file an Adverse Event Report can also call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, which can then be completed and returned to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submitted by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Stephen Levy is a contributor to Qmed and MPMN.