If you have any sort of implantable infusion pump — and millions of people do — the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday issued a warning about MRI exams.

Serious injuries and even death have been reported in people with implantable pumps, according to the FDA. There have been cases of dosing inaccuracies or other mechanical problems with the pump after an MRI, including motors stalling or a pump not restarting after the exam. Implantable infusion pumps are those that are surgically implanted into the abdomen, in most cases; they’re used to administer targeted, chronic medications through a catheter to the patient.

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“Only implantable infusion pumps labeled as MR Conditional may be used safely within an MR environment, and only under the specified conditions of safe use,” the FDA said in a release. “The specific conditions that health care practitioners and patients should follow before, during, and after the MRI exam vary by the make and model of the implantable infusion pump system. Importantly, each implantable pump model may have unique conditions that must be followed in order for a patient to safely undergo an MRI exam.”

Failure to adhere to these conditions “can result in serious injury or death,” officials added.

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Implantable infusion pumps are connected to a catheter and are used to deliver medications and fluids within the body. The pumps are periodically refilled with medications or fluids by a health care provider. Implantable infusion pumps may be used to treat chronic pain, muscle spasticity, diabetes, and many other diseases or conditions.

The FDA said patients with implantable infusion pumps and their caregivers should:

  • Know that specific instructions must be followed by your health care team before, during, and after an MRI exam. Instructions may differ by manufacturer and pump model.
  • If scheduled for an MRI, be sure your physicians and the MR technician know you have an implantable infusion pump.
  • Be able to identify the make and model of your implantable infusion pump. Most patients have an “implant card” that lists the information.
  • Bring the implant card for your implantable infusion pump with you when you go for your MRI exam. Your health care team will need to identify your pump model to locate the safety information. If there are any questions about the make and model, contact the physician who manages your pump — do not have the MRI exam until the pump model is identified.
  • Consider obtaining a medical alert bracelet or necklace in case of emergency. Include information to notify medical professionals that you have an implantable pump and that MRI precautions need to be followed.