Category: Prescribing Information

The latest medication shortage for diabetes now involves insulin – namely Humalog 10ml vials and Humulin M3. The former is usually prescribed for people on insulin pumps and the latter is most commonly used in older people with Type 2 diabetes (especially in care homes). As you will see from the attached guidance: For Humalog

There now do seem to be sufficient supplies of Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) to permit switching of patients on injectable agents, who have not been able to source an injection for more than 2 weeks. Please remember that there is a relative contraindication with Rybelsus for patients with diabetic retinopathy, although clearly for those with mild

Please do not double up on lower dose preparation where a higher dose of the GLP1-RA is not available. There have been reports of this happening and this will exacerbate the shortages. Patients should only be prescribed one dose from one pen – do not give multiple pen devices or multiple doses to make up a dose.

Dear colleagues, We are writing to provide an update on the national GLP1-RA supply situation for the indications of both type 2 diabetes and obesity. Please see the attached national patient safety alert (NPSA) for GLP1-RAs, issued on 3 January 2024 – here. This supersedes the previous publication from 2023. Main changes: We would encourage

Following the launch of the guidance for the management of long term high dose steroid therapy – ‘Steroid Safety Bundle’ in June 2023, there has been some amendments. The most recent version of this guidance can be found here – Steroid Safety Bundle: Management of long term high dose steroid therapy . The amendments are

A Medicine Supply Alert Notice (MSAN) has been distributed for Tresiba (insulin degludec) FlexTouch 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens (MSAN(2023)09.pdf). This is relevant from August 2023 to 2024. Tresiba Penfill® (insulin degludec) 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml cartridges remain available and can support increased demand. Patients will require an alternative insulin pen device for

Summary: There are ongoing supply problems with very limited availability of glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) both oral and IV formulations. Supply is not expected to return to normal until at least mid-2024.  Actions recommended for clinicians are as follows:  GLP1-RAs should only be prescribed for their licensed indication.  Prescribe Rybelsus tablets (oral semaglutide)