Situation/Background:
There is a supply problem with Humulin M3 Vials. Resupply dates are now anticipated to be mid-June 2024. Initially a temporary switch to Humalog Mix 25 Vial was recommended as an alternative while Humulin M3 Vials were unavailable but now there is a supply problem with Humalog Mix 25 Vials. Resupply dates are currently anticipated to be mid-June 2024.
There is no other fixed mixture insulin that is available in a vial. The only fixed mixture insulin that should be able to meet this need is Novomix 30 Flexpen. Other fixed mixture insulins that are available in pre-filled disposable pens or cartridges do not have a robust supply to meet this need.
Actions for Primary Care:
Patients on Humulin M3 Vial or Humalog Mix 25 Vial who need a further supply and are not capable of self-administering should be prescribed the following while Humulin M3 Vials and Humalog Mix 25 Vials are unavailable:
- Novomix 30 Flexpen (100units/ml 3ml pens) – please supply 5 x 3ml or the exact number requested by the district nurses (not rounded to boxes of 5 if an exact number requested) as we do not want this to go out of stock.
- Safety needles (unable to be split so 100 need to be prescribed per patient):
- First choice: Gluco Rx dual safe pen needles 5mm x 100
- Second choice: BD autoshield duo 5mm x 100
Further information:
This memorandum will be sent to all Primary Care Pharmacy Teams, GP practices and District Nurses who are most likely to be giving insulins from Vials and identify any supply issues. District Nurses require safety needles to use with pre-filled pens such as the Novomix 30 Flexpen.
Secondary Care have a different memorandum with different actions for inpatients but will discharge patients with Novomix 30 Flexpens and with a supply of safety needles unless it is known they have vials of their usual insulin at home.
If supplies of Humulin M3 Vials and Humalog Mix 25 Vials return the patient should go back onto their original insulin when insulin is next ordered.
