Humalog shortage March 2024

[hboyt]

The shortage is said to last into next year, the solution is to change insulin

My hospital sent an email last week as follows


Due to a shortage of Humalog insulin in vials can we suggest that if you are on this insulin via your pump can you ask your GP to prescribe the following insulin from your GP
Admelog 10 ml vials or
Novorapid 10 ml vials or
Trurapi 10 ml vials
Any of these will be ok or use in your pumps

Good you got an email from your hospital! First I've heard of it when I went to the pharmacy and they say they were out of stock and could not fulfil it from their suppliers!!

 

[hboyt]

I just put an email to my hospital and they called me back within 10 minutes!! They are going to switch me to Novorapid as the humalog Kwikpens apparently are not suitable for pump use

 

[Prancy]

I’m glad I found this thread. I had no idea about a shortage on vials. I use Novolog vials for my insulin pump (Medtronic 780). Extracting from the vial is simple, however last week when I requested a refill of Novolog, my pharmacy at first said it was out of stock. Then, when I called to discuss it, they told me my insurance no longer covers vials, only pen cartridges. I found this preposterous. So, now I don’t know what to believe.

Guess, I’ll try to figure out how to extract the insulin from the pen cartridge. I saw the description upthread. Thank you.

 

[EllieM]

I just put an email to my hospital and they called me back within 10 minutes!! They are going to switch me to Novorapid as the humalog Kwikpens apparently are not suitable for pump use

I'm in New Zealand where the humalog cartridges for non disposable pens are readily available and I've always used them for my pump. My fills are 2ml and 2 cartridges lasts me 3 fills...

 

[h884]

I use Humalog in my pump and have been given Novarapid as an interim measure. I have found it does not work nearly as quickly or as effectively as Humalog. I have had some horrendous spikes post meals.

As an aside I have recently been unwell and was on an increased dose of steroids. I am now back to my usual dose of steroids ( 10 days since I reduced the dose). As yet I am still requiring extra insulin) Hopefully once things settle I will be able to see if these post meal spikes disappear.

 

[Prancy]

I'm in New Zealand where the humalog cartridges for non disposable pens are readily available and I've always used them for my pump. My fills are 2ml and 2 cartridges lasts me 3 fills...

How do you get insulin out of a cartridge or flexpen into a Minimed reservoir?

 

[EllieM]

How do you get insulin out of a cartridge or flexpen into a Minimed reservoir?

I'm using a tandem tslim x2, which is filled via a special tandem syringe. I just draw the insulin into the syringe from the cartridge(s) instead of from a vial. No need to do an air shot before withdrawing insulin otherwise the same as using a vial.

 

[Prancy]

I'm using a tandem tslim x2, which is filled via a special tandem syringe. I just draw the insulin into the syringe from the cartridge(s) instead of from a vial. No need to do an air shot before withdrawing insulin otherwise the same as using a vial.

Those syringes must be different from the Minimed reservoirs.They don’t fit on the end. And, I see no way to get insulin into reservoir any other way. And, I can’t figure out a work around. In fact, after looking at my insurance formulary, I don’t think they’ll pay for any Novolog! I have to try a generic first. I didn’t even know there was a generic.

I called Medtronic and they said only vials work with Minimed reservoirs.

I’m exasperated with trying to manage a serious chronic condition and fighting on every front to get basic supplies like insulin. I could go get basic insulin at Walmart, but I don’t think that will work with my Medtronic 780 pump. I finally have my BG in a nice place. Average projected a1c from my CGM for last month is 6.1. But, I’m now dealing with this……ugh!

 

[EllieM]

Hmm, just googled. Looks like they have a specific ring to fit the vial. Not sure whether you could still fill the syringe without the o-ring though. I see no reason why not...?

And I agree that it is crazy that you have to fight to get the insulin that you need.

 

[CottonCutiePies]

They are short of the glass vials to put the humalog in. They have plenty of humalog. My pharmacy ask my gp to supply cartridges instead. Humalog is the only insulin I can use without problems I've been on it nearly 34 years.

 

[searley]

They are short of the glass vials to put the humalog in. They have plenty of humalog. My pharmacy ask my gp to supply cartridges instead. Humalog is the only insulin I can use without problems I've been on it nearly 34 years.

Odd thing is lymjev same vial is available