FDA on oxygen concentrators: Don't try them at home without scripts
By HME News Staff
Updated Wed November 4, 2020
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to use oxygen concentrators in their homes unless prescribed by a health care provider in a consumer update posted to its website on Oct. 30 as the number of cases of COVID-19 spikes across the country.
The agency says giving yourself oxygen without talking to a doctor first may do more harm than good.
“You may end up taking too much or too little oxygen,” it says. “Deciding to use an oxygen concentrator without a prescription can lead to serious health problems, such as oxygen toxicity. It can also lead to a delay in receiving treatment for serious conditions like COVID-19.”
The FDA also warns consumers that, as with any device, there is always a risk of an inaccurate reading with pulse oximeters used to monitor oxygen levels.
The agency advises consumers to contact a health care provider if they are concerned about a reading.
“And do not rely on a pulse oximeter,” it says.
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