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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has been informed by the U.S Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) about the effect of magnets in cell phones and smart watches on pacemakers and other implanted medical devices. Recent studies have shown that consumer electronic devices such as cell phones and smart watches with high field strength magnets may affect implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators to switch to magnet mode and suspend normal operations until the magnet is moved away from the medical device. The magnetic safe mode allows for safe operation during certain medical procedures such as undergoing an MRI scan.
To avoid interference between cell phones, smart watches and heart devices, keep them at least six inches (15 centimeters) away from implanted medical devices. The USFDA believes the risk to patients is low, and the agency is not aware of any adverse events associated with this issue at this time.
Recommendations
NAFDAC implores healthcare providers, patients and consumers:
- To Keep electronics, such as certain cell phones and smart watches, six inches (15 centimeters) away from implanted medical device.
- Not to carry electronics in a pocket over the medical device
Health professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of the products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC PRASCOR or via pharmacovigilance@nafdac.gov.ng or via eReporting platform available on the NAFDAC website www.nafdac.gov.ng or via Med Safety Application available for download on Android and IOS stores.
NAFDAC……..Customer-focused, Agency-minded!!!
Signed Management
