Shortage

[dawn1992]

Has anyone else received a message to do with a shortage of the treasiba?

 

[Juicyj]

Has anyone else received a message to do with a shortage of the treasiba?

Hi Dawn, welcome to the forum.

Where did the message come from and what exactly did it say ?

 

[dawn1992]

I got it from the NHS reply message its the tresiba they will give you the cartridges but not the pre filled pens anymore but its from August to January the shortage

 

[TerriH]

I have been told that the Tresiba Flexpen insulin will be unavailable until 2024 - yes there are alternatives but they involve taking care with the dosage.
Where does that leave patients and why has there not been an outcry about this? What are diabetics supposed to do especially if they have little supplies of this left? I am extremely disappointed after contacting Novodisk and being told that this will be resolved by next year!!

 

[Deleted member 527103]

This has been mentioned a few times and reported by the diabetes charity, Diabetes UK: https://www.diabetes.org.uk/professionals/tresiba-flextouch-shortage-2023.
The problem seems to be with the FlexTouch pens but the reusable pens are so much better - more robust, give half units if needed, have a reminder of the last dose and produce far less waste.
Unless you have dexterity problems, I do not know why the reusable pens are not more popular.
I have seen "complaints" that they do not give as large doses. If you take a large dose, it is better to split the dose to avoid lumps forming
@TerriH can you explain why there is a greater risk with dosage when you have a most robust pen? This is not something I have ever heard and been using reusable pens for nearly 20 years.

In my mind encouraging more use of the better NovoEcho pens is a good thing.

 

[Jaylee]

I have been told that the Tresiba Flexpen insulin will be unavailable until 2024 - yes there are alternatives but they involve taking care with the dosage.
Where does that leave patients and why has there not been an outcry about this? What are diabetics supposed to do especially if they have little supplies of this left? I am extremely disappointed after contacting Novodisk and being told that this will be resolved by next year!!

Hi,

It does sound outrageous an insulin you are comfortable using has a supply issue.. (But this seems to be the preloaded format & not the insulin itself?)

However the alternative is to ask for Tresiba in cartridge form & ask for a prescription for a reusable Novopen. (Ask for 2 pens, 1 for spare.)
There should be no need to switch your basal insulin to another brand…?

To the best of my knowledge, Tresiba is still available in the format in the picture below. You just need the reusable pen….
Contact your surgery & ask for an amendment to your prescription list?

Your pharmacy should be able to source what you need..

 

[Fuzzykayuk]

I know it’s your preferred but just think about how much plastic you’re not throwing away. That a great positive for the environment

 

[Jaylee]

I know it’s your preferred but just think about how much plastic you’re not throwing away. That a great positive for the environment

I personally feel the short term priority message for anyone prescribed these disposable pens & concerned with the “news” or possibly struggling with the “shortage.”

Is to support them in the realisation there is another way to obtain & administer this vital treatment, which will not affect their current regime…

 

[becca59]

Just picked up my pack of Tresiba penfill cartridges this morning. Only ordered Thursday. Take up a lot less room in the fridge than pre filled pens and a lot less waste. A win in my opinion. Plus my Novopen does half units and records my last dose. Another win. Have one for my Fiasp too.