**** NHS Cutback Needles - GlucoRx

jakejayeden said:

Back in May sometime, I was surprised to see that my prescription was changed. For the last 9 and a bit years, I have always used BD Microfine 5mm needles, never had any major problems with them. However this time I was given a box of GlucoRx needles. I was very reluctant to use these. I have had copies of BD before which were sent back to the pharmacy to be disposed off and replaced by genuine product, however I was informed that these Gluco needles were legitimate. I decided that I would trial these needles and complain if I didn't get on with them, so I stuck with it for about 2 months. When it came for me to go back to the clinic. I was informed that the local area, Nottinghamshire, is facing cutbacks to services, this includes the needles. It was decided they would switch to UK based GlucoRx instead of US BD all to save a few pennies. I had also found out that my Local GP had changed my prescription for me. A Dr I have not seen for several years nor even discussed my condition with. I was not even formally notified of the changes to my prescription. Why this was deemed ok to do so, even if the GP was forced to sign this off by higher ups. It seems very deceptive.

My complaints with GlucoRx as follows;

• Needle base was often too small or too adhesive which meant the needle clung to the insulin cartridge, excessive use of these could easily fracture the insulin cartridge or lead to breaking the pen. In my case I had a trusty NovaNordisk 3 break on me.
• Needles were often bent or blunt, this lead to pain when injecting with these needles.
• Needle is slightly fragile, this meant that the needle could bend upon or during use.

• ALSO NOTE; It is know the Lantus can occasionally sting during or after the injection. I found this pain increased in amplitude and duration when using the GlucoRx needles.

So from the clinic trip in mid June, my DSN made a letter to the pharmacy, and since then I was given BD once again. I hope however doubt that this will be last of this debacle.

A little more information on the companies.
BD Microfine is based in the US and needles are manufactured within the US as clearly stated on their website and needle package. The cost of these approx. £20 for a box of 100.
GlucoRx is a company based in the UK, however their manufacturing is outsourced to South Korea. This means the cost is approx. £7 per box of 100 needles.
Therefore you can see the difference is cost and why the NHS decided to switch to these cheaper needles. However you can also see the difference in quality. Leave you with this "You never regret buying quality".

Anyone else had, used or been switched to these GlucoRx needles? Positive or negative results?

Click to expand...

jakejayeden said:

Back in May sometime, I was surprised to see that my prescription was changed. For the last 9 and a bit years, I have always used BD Microfine 5mm needles, never had any major problems with them. However this time I was given a box of GlucoRx needles. I was very reluctant to use these. I have had copies of BD before which were sent back to the pharmacy to be disposed off and replaced by genuine product, however I was informed that these Gluco needles were legitimate. I decided that I would trial these needles and complain if I didn't get on with them, so I stuck with it for about 2 months. When it came for me to go back to the clinic. I was informed that the local area, Nottinghamshire, is facing cutbacks to services, this includes the needles. It was decided they would switch to UK based GlucoRx instead of US BD all to save a few pennies. I had also found out that my Local GP had changed my prescription for me. A Dr I have not seen for several years nor even discussed my condition with. I was not even formally notified of the changes to my prescription. Why this was deemed ok to do so, even if the GP was forced to sign this off by higher ups. It seems very deceptive.

My complaints with GlucoRx as follows;

• Needle base was often too small or too adhesive which meant the needle clung to the insulin cartridge, excessive use of these could easily fracture the insulin cartridge or lead to breaking the pen. In my case I had a trusty NovaNordisk 3 break on me.
• Needles were often bent or blunt, this lead to pain when injecting with these needles.
• Needle is slightly fragile, this meant that the needle could bend upon or during use.

• ALSO NOTE; It is know the Lantus can occasionally sting during or after the injection. I found this pain increased in amplitude and duration when using the GlucoRx needles.

So from the clinic trip in mid June, my DSN made a letter to the pharmacy, and since then I was given BD once again. I hope however doubt that this will be last of this debacle.

A little more information on the companies.
BD Microfine is based in the US and needles are manufactured within the US as clearly stated on their website and needle package. The cost of these approx. £20 for a box of 100.
GlucoRx is a company based in the UK, however their manufacturing is outsourced to South Korea. This means the cost is approx. £7 per box of 100 needles.
Therefore you can see the difference is cost and why the NHS decided to switch to these cheaper needles. However you can also see the difference in quality. Leave you with this "You never regret buying quality".

Anyone else had, used or been switched to these GlucoRx needles? Positive or negative results?

Click to expand...

jakejayeden said:

Back in May sometime, I was surprised to see that my prescription was changed. For the last 9 and a bit years, I have always used BD Microfine 5mm needles, never had any major problems with them. However this time I was given a box of GlucoRx needles. I was very reluctant to use these. I have had copies of BD before which were sent back to the pharmacy to be disposed off and replaced by genuine product, however I was informed that these Gluco needles were legitimate. I decided that I would trial these needles and complain if I didn't get on with them, so I stuck with it for about 2 months. When it came for me to go back to the clinic. I was informed that the local area, Nottinghamshire, is facing cutbacks to services, this includes the needles. It was decided they would switch to UK based GlucoRx instead of US BD all to save a few pennies. I had also found out that my Local GP had changed my prescription for me. A Dr I have not seen for several years nor even discussed my condition with. I was not even formally notified of the changes to my prescription. Why this was deemed ok to do so, even if the GP was forced to sign this off by higher ups. It seems very deceptive.

My complaints with GlucoRx as follows;

• Needle base was often too small or too adhesive which meant the needle clung to the insulin cartridge, excessive use of these could easily fracture the insulin cartridge or lead to breaking the pen. In my case I had a trusty NovaNordisk 3 break on me.
• Needles were often bent or blunt, this lead to pain when injecting with these needles.
• Needle is slightly fragile, this meant that the needle could bend upon or during use.

• ALSO NOTE; It is know the Lantus can occasionally sting during or after the injection. I found this pain increased in amplitude and duration when using the GlucoRx needles.

So from the clinic trip in mid June, my DSN made a letter to the pharmacy, and since then I was given BD once again. I hope however doubt that this will be last of this debacle.

A little more information on the companies.
BD Microfine is based in the US and needles are manufactured within the US as clearly stated on their website and needle package. The cost of these approx. £20 for a box of 100.
GlucoRx is a company based in the UK, however their manufacturing is outsourced to South Korea. This means the cost is approx. £7 per box of 100 needles.
Therefore you can see the difference is cost and why the NHS decided to switch to these cheaper needles. However you can also see the difference in quality. Leave you with this "You never regret buying quality".

Anyone else had, used or been switched to these GlucoRx needles? Positive or negative results?

Click to expand...