Abbott Laboratories

Due to 7 weeks of beam radiation, I cannot effectively swallow and must rely on a feeding tube for all liquids and food. As I am a 100% disabled Vietnam vet (presumptive agent orange) , the VA provides me both Abbot Two Cal and Abbot Jevity. I have been on Two Cal without any issue for almost 3 years. Last fall, my GI dr said I had to get some fiber in my diet so Jevity was substituted for 50% of the Two Cal. I have ongoing problems with Jevity which I have reported to you twice. Every 5th unit (appx) of Jevity has white curdle like particles in it that plug up the tube and require disassembly and hand stirring which adds 30 min to ea feeding. I add warm water to both formulas. In the last week 10 days it has gotten worse (1/3 to 1/2 of units). I called the VA to substitute another formula. There are no others that the VA has! Help...can you stir these up better? I cannot see a nurse putting up with this in a hospital setting. Richard Dillow CAPT USN ret

This company recently sent us a large box of Similac baby-formula samples as well as coupons and information for new mothers. I find it unlikely that my wife requested this, as we found out several months ago that she is unable to have a child because of medical complications. Obviously this news was devastating to both of us.

Luckily I found the package on our front step before she saw it, so I was able to avoid another emotional meltdown. I looked online and found other women who had similar interactions with this company. These were people who had miscarriages, were in the same position we're in, or other traumatic experiences. It's really heartbreaking stuff, but that apparently doesn't matter when a buck is on the line.

I'm sure these women, my wife included, made a baby-related Google search, or filled out a form on some website looking for information on a baby-related topic, but that does not mean that sending unsolicited product like this is not radically irresponsible. I cannot fathom how somebody could have such a massive lack of empathy and foresight that they couldn't recognize the potential for pain and emotional damage that this kind of practice could cause.

I would hope the people responsible for this kind of thing have trouble sleeping at night knowing that they could completely break and devastate people who are unable to experience the joy of being parents just so they can get some extra sales and better their bottom line, but the fact that someone would do this in the first place makes that unlikely.

I wrote to Abbott Labs, Mr. Miles D. ***, CEO, *** on May 7, 2020 informing them that their Free Style Libre 14 Day sensors stopped working. There were two sensors that both malfunctioned and mailed a follow up letter to them on May 25, 2020 and never received the two sensors that should have been replaced and never received a phone call or a letter. At my age, I cannot talk to their 'technical people' who ask me different questions every time I call in for an hour. Just can't do it. This product is to gauge my glucose levels & they're not dependable. Every time you call in, they come up with a different requirement and I nearly have to beg to get a simple replacement. They're not giving these sensors away at the store. I want them to mail me to replacement sensors - they have my address, the serial numbers and my telephone number.

Abbott Labs failed to provide a compatible replacement diabetic meter sensor upon replacing a defective meter. Their internal schematics does not allow for both the failed meter and the replacement meter to be used on a singular sensor. The meter that reads the sensor failed and Abbott Labs subsequently provided a replacement meter. Sensors are skin implants that cannot be removed once installed. When their Free Style Libre meter failed, I had installed a sensor only a day or two before leaving 12 days at the minimum of sensor readings during its 14 day life. Thus, upon providing the replacement meter, Abbott Labs should have provided a replacement sensor for utilization. I have attempted to communicate with a number of customer service individuals without success and wrote to Robert Ford, CEO of Abbott Labs in hopes of getting some resolution on this matter. It is very frustrating and not at all helpful to maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels with the levels of stress Abbott Labs representatives have burdened me with.

After having a Spinal Cord Stimulator implanted in my right hip it worked fine until May 23,2019. Had an appointment with the Doctor who implanted it telling him it does not work the way it had. Have had several (14-16) appointments with either him and/or representatives from ABBOTT to check it and they say it is working fine.

Doctor gave me a prescription for Freestle Libre reader and 14-day sensors. My insurance company was billed $400.00 for the reader and $350.00 for 7-sensors. I first received my order on Monday March 2nd 2020. After reading all the instructions I placed a sensor on my left arm in the area whereas the instructions stated, I waited 60-minutes like instructed, I checked my blood sugar reading which showed it was about 50-points high, I injected insulin at which time my blood sugar dropped to much. To the point I almost passed out.
I started checking my blood sugar with my old meter and found that the Freestyle Libre is always 50-points higher than my actual reading. Giving a false reading.

This is a very serious problem for Abbott Laboratory because people will depend on Freestyle Libre as accurate and end up injecting insulin when in fact they don't need any. I emailed Abbott Laboratory CEO Miles D. White three times concerning this problem with no respond from anyone. My 14-day sensor was due today, so I placed a new one on my right arm and the same issues. 50-points off. I see this becoming a legal issue, class action for Deceptive misleading. (RICO).

My Doctor said the main problem is using the upper arm. He said it won't ever be correct using the upper back of the arm.
I guess that is why Dexcom G6 has patients using the stomach area.
I will be emailing all my information to an Attorney for his review.

I use a Libre FreeStyle 14 day sensor to monitor my blood sugar for Type 1 diabetes. Readings with the Libre are often inaccurate, but the one I most recently applied has been consistently off by 40 or 50 points. It is completely faulty and therefore useless to me. I called Abbott to try and get a replacement, but after about 20 minutes of extensive questioning they told me they couldn't "verify my readings" because I use an Accu-Check blood glucose meter, and not their own FreeStyle brand. My insurance doesn't cover the FreeStyle brand test strips, it covers Accu-Check, and I can't afford to pay out of pocket for Abbott's own product. It seems like they are just using excuses to not to have to replace my faulty sensor.

This has to be the worst customer service I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with. If I could give them no stars, I would.
I purchased infant formula from them for $52. When I looked at my bank statement, the charge was for over $180. I called the company and they informed me that I had purchased additional products from them. These items were never purchased by me. I was over charged and received the wrong items. After arguing with them and trying to get them to cancel the order, they stated the only way I could get a refund was to ship the product, unopened back to the company after I received it. Once the product came I shipped it back immediately. I had to foot the cost of the shipping as well. The product arrived back to them on Dec. 30th. I called on January 6 and my refund still said pending. I was then informed that they do not update refund states or send any kind of email to the customer and that I should check back in two weeks to see if they have reviewed my product. After which, they will refund me in 4 to 6 weeks. Eight weeks to receive a refund for a product I didn't order is absolutely ridiculous and feels like a complete scam.
Buyer be aware of this company. Don't order direct.

I was/am having problems with Abbott's glucose monitoring device so called customer service and all I got was the run around from someone I could barely understand. My problem has yet to be resolved and I have yet to find a way to get past their terrible customer service department.

I purchased 2 separate Freestyle Libre 14-day sensors which have not worked. I returned the first one to the Loop Road address with a letter in February 2019, and heard nothing in return. I talked with my *** pharmacist who said to write Abbott and they would send a coupon that *** would honor for replacement; I did so on July 21, 2019. I have heard nothing in return. My insurance only allows purchase of 2 sensor a month so when one does not work, I cannot track my blood sugars for 2 weeks, and I cannot afford the $45 co-pay for each sensor when they do not work. If the system is unreliable then it is useless. That they make no easy resolution for such problems is concerning; that they ignore the care of their customers is alarming. One sensor continually gave me an error message when scanned; the second said "Scan to start sensor" and never came off of that message.

It's very difficult as a 78yr old when Abbott has a 14 day sensor that sometimes falls out, especially if you apply lotion. Medicare will only allow so many days worth to be sent, not allowing for dropping of sensor, emergency xray that zaps the sensor from working properly. Custom service and Hulio in the corporate resolutions office, repeats that if u have a planned xray, mri, or other scan you should take if off and plan. I understand. However if there is an emergency xray, it's impossible to take it out, reinsert after procedure ( not safe to do). They dont make the 10 day anymore so that if you have more sensors to plan for various issues, it might be a better option. On the other hand, stating they will send an email about an adhesive option (with having used lotion in last 24 hrs ) doesn't work with being diabetic and being on ***. We have had less issues as time goes on gently wiggling off the sensor from the installation device, and learning where to put it so that the shirt doesn't pull it off. And as to the lotion, mark the spot to place it without lotion 2 days ahead. Then next time sensor moved, that spot will get optioned? Hopefully this will help us out. As to the emergency xray, I guess it doesn't matter and the company doesn't have another resolution. Other than, I could get a new Dr Order and go to a higher than local pharmacy and purchase one out of pocket to catch up, or use the backup strips for 2 weeks. This is very difficult when it took a full hr to get blood sugar checked due to difficulty of having blood sugar to high by this point. I wished there was an extra sensor allowed for cases of emergency scans, and equipment coming off in less than the 14 days. I do love that you can now use the sensor in one hr from new sensor being started. Hopefully this is clear.

The *** sensors do not reliably stay adhered to the skin after applied. I have contacted the manufacturer on several occasions. The recommended an additional adhesive, which I tried, but I got chemical burns and blisters from the adhesive so I stopped using it. The sensors fall off after 5-6 days on both the 10 day sensors (which are now discontinued) and the 14 day sensor. I am spending a lot of money to monitor my glucose and the devices are not reliable that they will work when needed.

What a horrible busiess. They make a Continuous Glucose Montior and have sensors that all of the blogs say have a serious problem with not being reliable. So my 2nd one failed and I called to see what the company will do for me. Their answer - we only intend for this to be used on people so the use if animals violates the waranty.

The warranty does not limit the product's use to people only so they expect you to just know this. Once you use your ESP to know what they were thinking, they then state that you violated their unwritten expectations and therefore the warranty is not valid.

All in all, this company is not willing to stand behind their products and do not care about the customer. Strongly advise you consider spending your money with a company that cares about having a quality product and supporting the product and their customers.

I GOT A SPINAL STIMULATOR FROM MY SPINE DOCTOR 2-23-2011.THE COMPANY NAME WAS *** MEDICAL.ON 6-6-2019 I CALLED FOR A REPLACEMENT ON THIS MEDICAL DEVICE TO BE TOLD THERE IS CHARGE FOR THIS REPLACMENT. I WAS TOLD ALSO THAT THERE IS A NEW OWNER TO THIS COMPANY. WHEN THIS MEDICAL DEVICE WAS IMPLANTED IN MY BACK ON 2-23-2011 ,I WAS TOLD IT WAS LIFE TIME WARRENTEED AND I WOULD NEVER NEED TO WORRY ABOUT HAVING SERVICE OR PARTS FOR IT. KEEP IN MIND THIS IS IMPLANTED UNDER MY SKIN IN MY BACK AND USED FOR PAIN TREATMENT . I HAVE 7 DISCS FUSED AND NEED THIS FOR THAT REASON. WELL THE WOND BROKE AND DONT WORK AND NOW IM TOLD THERE IS A CHARGE FOR FIXING IT ....

THERE CUST,SERVICE SAID IM SORRY BUT THIS IS THE NEW POLICY . I HAVE THIS MEDICAL DEVICE OVER 8 YEARS AND THEY NEED TO CONTIN TO SERVICE ...

I purchased the *** that scans the device attached to skin for 14 days. The monitor worked one month and died. I have been trying to get my money back only to be told they do not give refunds although they are aware of the known issue with the device. The number I was given by my pharmacy to call is ***. I have called multiple times. I want my money back asap. I can not buy a different monitor and I am unable to check my blood sugar. I am diabetic. I purchased from *** and they gave me the number to call.

I purchased similac formula from amazon. The expiry date is 1aug2020. The formula when put in warm water dissolves very quickly unlike the ones I get from sams club where the formula doesn’t dissolve without stirring. On reading reviews on Amazon, many people are complaining that the product is not good. Please advise on if I should continue to use the product or I should I contact the FDA about possible problems it could create for my baby.

I had recently started using the FreeStyle libre 14 day. the first 14 days went off great, (that was the first sensor, the second sensor went on my arm (as per the instructions). while at work that sensor fell off(it had only been on for 2 days), got 2 more sensors from my pharmacy that evening, put on the 3rd sensor(this one also only lasted 2 days before it came off). I do not believe the company did enough testing with the adhesive on very active people. although this is a good product just needs a stronger adhesive. I have since gone back to pking my finger rather than have to worry about the sensor coming off.

To Revdex.com 5/7/2018
I purchased a “FreeStyle Libre blood sugar device manufactured/distributed by Abbott Labs sold through CVS Pharmacy’s. findings are that this device is so inaccurate that it becomes dangerous to use/depend on.
This is hazardous and could lead some to Over or Under medicating themselves.
After seeing the comparison between a normal Blood sugar meter and this device my doctor advised me to stop using it.
I have written “Abbott Diabetes Care” asking for a refund of monies spent.
More to the point I feel this device should be removed from the market due to safety reasons.

BEWARE OF ABBOTT/FREESTYLE PRODUCTS***THIS COMPANY MISREPRESENTS ITSELF*
My daughter will begin using Insulet's OmniPod insulin pump next week and Abbott's Freestyle test strips are what's needed with the OmniPod. Because our insurance strongly encourages us to use OneTouch testing supplies, the price we're to pay for FreeStyle is outrageous in comarrison. I was directed to Abbott's website where I could sign up for the "FreeStyle Promise Card" where we'd be eligible for a free meter and a discount on testing strips.
Nowhere during the sign-up process did it specify which strip/meter was included in this discount. When the pharmacy went to run the card, no discount was applied. I contacted Abbott and was told that the only strips included were the lites. I argued that this isn't what the website said and he apologized for "my" misunderstanding. This wasn't a misunderstanding----it was a misrepresentation. I called my daughter's doctor and had a NEW prescription sent to the pharmacy for the lite strips and meter and still, no discount was applied. There was no PCN# on the card and it wouldn't go through. The pharmacist asked me to call the FreeStyle program and discuss with them. I made that phone call this morning and spoke to the same *** and he kept on telling me to call my insurance and "they'd tell me what my discount was." No, that wasn't the problem. The problem was their card wasn't working. FINALLY, he gave me a phone number for our pharmacy to call to activate the savings card in order to get the free meter (1***) but assured me that the pharmacy needed to call---not me. Why on earth was that not made known when I received the card?!?! It had some vague instructions, but nothing about making a phone call for activation. When I asked about the strips, he read me the same song and dance so I requested to speak to a supervisor. I was then transferred to "***" in the corporate resolution office. She explained that they "used" to have a program that discounted their strips to a minimum of $15/month for a 200 strip max. based on avg. amount of strips customers use but that program had been discontinued. I questioned this because this was the EXACT program that I had signed up for LAST WEEK and was STILL AVAILABLE TODAY!!! If that program is no more, than it would be best to not be offering it. I suggested she go out to their own website and see for herself, but she wouldn't as they're currently "working through some things." She gave me another phone number that the pharmacy could call "Relay Helpline" *** for assistance with the strip discount and said their new program would bring the strips down to as low as $25/mo.
I provided all this information to our pharmacy and when they called the "Relay Helpline" the person on the other end of the line was clueless as to why the pharmacy would be calling. The pharmacy called Abbott back and spoke to the same supervisor I had and was told that the discount would automatically apply at the register. The pharmacists was laughing about this when she called me back, because this isn't at all how programs like this work...and no, a discount was NOT applied at the register.
Beware of the Abbott/FreeStyle brand of products because my experience with their customer service has been nothing but frustrating. Unless you enjoy speaking to someone that speaks broken English at best, that reads from a script and doesn't take time to understand exactly what you're asking; unless you are okay with companies misrepresenting themselves and taking advantage of those that don't better---avoid them like the plague. You can do better!
At this point, I want nothing to do with this company and will continue to use our old meter and OneTouch strips and manually enter my daughter's blood sugar into OmniPod. I will always remember how they conducted themselves as a business. There are plenty of other options out there and no reason to settle for a company like this.

The following is an accurate and true summary of Abbott Nutrition's dishonest and unethical conduct that damaged the business of ***.
*** P/L is a media management consultant and auditor operating across the Asia region since 1992, and has a history of consulting to Abbott Nutrition in Taiwan.
In February 2017, Abbott *** approached *** to provide a proposal for auditing services in Vietnam. This proposal was provided to Abbott Nutrition Vietnam on February 16 and contained confidential information on services and strategies (business secrets) that were the intellectual property of ***. The cover page of ***'s original audit proposal and revisions to address additions to Abbott’s brief were clearly marked "strictly confidential" and the confidentiality section stipulated "any information provided between the parties should be treated in the strictest of confidence". These proposals were supplied to Abbott on the basis that Abbott would respect the implied confidentiality of ***'s confidential information.
Abbott's disreputable behavior between February and June 2017 is summarized as;
1. Repeated misrepresentations on March 8 and 9 designed to falsify Abbott's intentions on approval of ***’s proposal and setting the audit’s timeline for the purpose of keeping *** involved to assist with insight and expertise on additional services arising from the project's expanded scope, and serve as benchmarks that ensure submission quality from ***'s competitors to advantage Abbott.
2. Copying and publishing 33 items of confidential information stolen by Abbott from ***'s audit proposals in the form of;
(a) An audit brief issued March 21 that disclosed an objective nominated in ***’s proposal as Abbott’s primary objective and listed all 10 *** service descriptions (and objectives) to frame the project's scope, which was distributed to competitive audit companies,
(b) A Q@A document issued March 23 by Abbott in response to queries from competitive audit companies that restated the objective referred to in point 2 (a) above as well as 3 of the 10 service descriptions (and objectives) and disclosed ***’s strategy for recovery of retained rebates which was distributed to these competitive audit companies, and
(c) A revised audit brief issued April 21 by Abbott that contained 17 verbatim and reworded service objectives and strategies reproduced from ***’s proposals for distribution to competitive audit companies.
3. Denial of any responsibility for financial losses incurred to *** as a result of Abbott's unauthorized disclosure of confidential information from the audit proposals in reference to decreased competitiveness and exclusivity, diminished service value, reduced new business opportunities, and lost revenue.
4. Failure to act in an honest, fair and ethical manner in violation of Abbott's stated code of business conduct, resulting in aberrant behavior that caused recurrent breaches of confidentiality and trust.
5. Approval of intimidation by Abbott's lawyers *** who, in an email dated June 13, threatened defamation proceedings unless *** abandoned compensation claimed against Abbott.
6. Consent to use of unlawful means by Abbott's lawyers (***) in an email dated June 26 that demanded *** sign false statements to retract the truth regarding Abbott's dishonorable practices, a demand that was supported by the threat of unspecified litigation in multiple jurisdictions considered to constitute extortion.
Points 4, 5 and 6 above demonstrate Abbott’s preparedness to compromise a code of business conduct by degenerating into unprincipled and illegal practices to avoid financial liability for its dishonorable behavior. While applicable laws in Vietnam impose inadequate penalties as compensation, Abbott apparently believes that it can operate dishonestly and unethically with impunity wherever punitive deficiencies exist.
Mr. Douglas ***, General Manager of Abbott Nutrition Vietnam regards the above misconduct as a "misunderstanding". Abbott's senior global management represented by Mr. White CEO, and Ms. Heather *** Executive Vice President, are both aware of the above mentioned behavior and have chosen to remain silent. Abbott management’s failure to address dishonest and unethical conduct supports and enables further injustice.
Abbott Nutrition is a healthcare company with unwholesome business practices and cannot be trusted. Abbott Nutrition has operated outside behavioral norms of business ethics and legality to benefit itself. The purpose of this complaint is to alert consumers and suppliers to Abbott's dishonest and unethical conduct as a matter of public interest.