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Type 1 Novorapid shortage

Tryanother said:
Am I the only person to be told by my pharmacy that they cannot access Novorapid insulin for my pump and have no idea when they will be able to get it/. Just a little concerning!!
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I know there was (is?) an issue with humalog vials.
Can you get novorapid cartridges instead of vials?
 
Vials may be slightly more convenient than cartridges but you can use cartridges to refill pumps (works with a tandem tslim anyway as that is what I use).. (Happy to be corrected if this is not the case).. I suggest you consider whether changing your script to cartridges is an option.
 
EllieM said:
Vials may be slightly more convenient than cartridges but you can use cartridges to refill pumps (works with a tandem tslim anyway as that is what I use).. (Happy to be corrected if this is not the case).. I suggest you consider whether changing your script to cartridges is an option.
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This might need to be a back-up option! Do you just use the syringe to draw the insulin out of the vial?
 
Emck said:
This might need to be a back-up option! Do you just use the syringe to draw the insulin out of the vial?
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Once, due to my own incompetence*, I needed to fill my pump from a cartridge. This is definitely possible.
I did have to change my technique slightly - usually I draw up the syringe to the required level and then force the air into the vial which makes it easier to fill the syringe whilst minimising bubbles. A full cartridge does not have the space for this air so you just suck the insulin straight out of the cartridge into the syringe without the "pre-draw", Once you know this, it is just as easy to use cartridges.

*I was away over night so had back up pens and cartridges but forgot to pack my vial for a pump set change :banghead:
 
I checked with the Pump Team locally yesterday as I have just been changed from Humalog due to the shortages of it.

She checked about novarapid and was told there were no issues. She did acknowledge that they were sometimes the last to hear of issues.

Fingers crossed
 
Emck said:
This might need to be a back-up option! Do you just use the syringe to draw the insulin out of the vial?
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Yes. I've only been on my pump since late March but I've only used cartridges. As I use 2ml a fill I make 2 cartridges last for 3 pump loads. You just don't put any air into the cartridge when you pull the insulin out. As the insulin leaves the cartridge the end bung moves down.
 
Just got back from the pharmacy who say they can't get any Novorapid vials or prefill pens and they have one pack of cartridges left then they're out. This is for a prescription I put in mid-August, so it's been an issue for a little bit.
Anyone else?
I have my backup pens I can use for now, but obviously they'll run out in a week or two. Can't find any other reports atm, so I'm hopeful it's a short-term issue Will have to try and get an appointment to sort out a backup option on Monday.
 
Yeah, that's on the to-do list, just nervous cause my usual pharmacy don't even have a date for when they'll get it in, and it's been 2 weeks already...
 
It must be an area thing as I put an order in as I needed some more for when I go on holiday incase of pump failure and they arrived soon after I’d ordered (penfills that is). Definitely have a ring around as other pharmacies may have some available.
 
Just been advised by my pharmacy, Boots that they have been unable to get Novo Rapid for me in the 10 ml vials for my pump, as it is out of stock with manufacturer.

Luckily I have about a months supply, but looks like I may need to seek an alternative to Novo Rapid
 
smc4761 said:
Just been advised by my pharmacy, Boots that they have been unable to get Novo Rapid for me in the 10 ml vials for my pump, as it is out of stock with manufacturer.

Luckily I have about a months supply, but looks like I may need to seek an alternative to Novo Rapid
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I had the same problem with Novorapid 10ml vials. My pharmacist gave me 1 vial, and managed to get the rest, but it took a few weeks. I have stocked up on the penfills as a precaution.
 
So far no problem getting repeat prescription of 2 NovoRapid 10 ml vials - picked up last order last week.
 
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