Abbott Ends FreeStyle Navigator in US

Abbott Diabetes Care is discontinuing its FreeStyle Navigator System, a continuous glucose monitoring device, in the United States. Abbott blamed supply problems that have prevented the company from selling new units or replacing parts under warranty.

In a notice to customers posted on its website, Abbott said that there are no safety issues with the system and that it will continue to sell its other products, which include blood glucose meters and test strips.

What about current FreeStyle Navigator users? Abbott said that it will work with customers through March of next year to move them to competing CGM systems. Any current customer who wants to know about his or her options should call the company’s customer service line at 1- 800-221-7700.

In its notice, Abbot did include an apology to those affected.

“We know FreeStyle Navigator System customers in the U.S. have lived with some uncertainty and frustration,” the company wrote. “We are grateful for the commitment patients and providers have devoted to the FreeStyle Navigator System over the years, and we are sorry that we have been unable to consistently meet their needs.”

The system isn’t going away entirely, however. Abbott said that the FreeStyle Navigator is still available in seven overseas markets, where supplies haven’t been affected.

Source:

http://www.abbottdiabetescare.com/adc_dotcom/url/content/en_US/general_content/General_Content_0000422.html