Lantus Solostar - Supply shortages (Sanofi)

[Pumper_Sue]

http://www.psnc.org.uk/news.php/1247/lantus_solostar_supply_shortages_sanofi

Drug Tariff News
Lantus Solostar - Supply shortages (Sanofi)
Sanofi have advised supply difficulties are anticipated with Lantus Solostar until April 2012.

Sanofi issued the following statement:

"Sanofi are no longer supplying Lantus optiset and opticlik devices in a discontinuation announced over 18 months ago. Over this time period there has been wide spread communication to raise awareness of the need for clinicians to review and change these patients from Lantus Optiset and Opticlik.
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‪However there are still a significant number of patients on Lantus optiset and Opticlik that have yet to be reviewed by healthcare professionals and prescribed Lantus Solostar.
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‪This potential significant increase in prescribing of Lantus Solostar means that pharmacy contractors could experience difficulties with obtaining supplies of Lantus Solostar over the coming months (Feb, March, April 2012)
‪
Lantus Solostar remains available through normal wholesaler routes. Should difficulties be experienced with supplies the normal wholesaler should be contacted in the first instance.

Where the wholesaler is unable to fulfill the order pharmacies can contact Sanofi customer services on 0800 854430 to arrange for an emergency supply''

 

[Northerner]

Lantus? Who needs it? 😉

I can understand why some people may have problems changing cartridges, but I would imagine they are in a minority, so why so many people seem to be prescribed pre-filled pens is beyond me, I must admit.

 

[PattiEvans]

Sanofi Apidra cartridges work in Humapens (thank goodness cos their own pens are rubbish), would Lantus do similarly?

 

[Lauren]

I use lantus solostar (or used to before pump) because the pens that go with the cartridges are not great, I found it shot all the insulin in at once which really stung. Just if anyone is wondering.🙂

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Lantus? Who needs it? 😉

Show off 😛 🙂

 

[Copepod]

Lantus? Who needs it? 😉

I can understand why some people may have problems changing cartridges, but I would imagine they are in a minority, so why so many people seem to be prescribed pre-filled pens is beyond me, I must admit.

I can't understand why people are prescribed disposable pens either, unless they have dexterity problems. So much wasted resources, plus prefilled pens take up so much space in a fridge and when travelling.

 

[Northerner]

I use lantus solostar (or used to before pump) because the pens that go with the cartridges are not great, I found it shot all the insulin in at once which really stung. Just if anyone is wondering.🙂

It is true that the autopens are not universally loved for their style, fine-construction and reliability, and they do shoot the stuff in rather than allowing you to control the rate...🙄 Having said that, I've managed with them fine over the past 4 years, although they do suffer in comparison to the novopens. Lantus is known for its sting, as it is acid-based 😱

 

[Robster65]

The autopens are 2 units at a time calibration.

I went onto the solostar so I could get the single unit. I'm honestly not trying to destroy the planet's resources. But there comes a point when you have to put your health to the forefront.

I've got 5 pens in the fridge at the moment, which will last me a fair while (currently 14u morning and 2u evening) so supplies should be recovered by the time I next order.🙂

Rob

 

[Northerner]

The autopens are 2 units at a time calibration.

I went onto the solostar so I could get the single unit. I'm honestly not trying to destroy the planet's resources. But there comes a point when you have to put your health to the forefront.

I've got 5 pens in the fridge at the moment, which will last me a fair while (currently 14u morning and 2u evening) so supplies should be recovered by the time I next order.🙂

Rob

There's a single-unit autopen also - that's what I was using until recently. Maximum dose 24 as opposed to 48 units 🙂

 

[Robster65]

I wasn't offered that unfortunately.

Without any evidence to show that normal cartridges are more eco-friendly than the disposable pens, it would be a lot of faff trying to get them to change it.

I can sleep at night (unless I give too many units!).🙄

Rob

 

[Northerner]

I wasn't offered that unfortunately.

Without any evidence to show that normal cartridges are more eco-friendly than the disposable pens, it would be a lot of faff trying to get them to change it.

I can sleep at night (unless I give too many units!).🙄

Rob

Actually, it was a faff trying to get it changed! It took me 4 visits to the doctor/pharmacy before they prescribed the correct pen, even though I'd given them the PIP code right from the start. There are 4 autopens, two for levemir (can't imagine why anyone would use them for that) and two for lantus, with a single and 2-unit dose pen for both types of insulin. Sure enough, they managed to get it wrong every time! 🙄

 

[Robster65]

Actually, it was a faff trying to get it changed! It took me 4 visits to the doctor/pharmacy before they prescribed the correct pen, even though I'd given them the PIP code right from the start. There are 4 autopens, two for levemir (can't imagine why anyone would use them for that) and two for lantus, with a single and 2-unit dose pen for both types of insulin. Sure enough, they managed to get it wrong every time! 🙄

I've been reducing my lantus dose over the past couple of weeks so I'm aiming to replicate your boycott of their products.

I reckon I might wean myself off it by about 2015.🙄

Rob

 

[Northerner]

I've been reducing my lantus dose over the past couple of weeks so I'm aiming to replicate your boycott of their products.

I reckon I might wean myself off it by about 2015.🙄

Rob

What's the betting I'll be back on it by then? 😱🙂

 

[Robster65]

If I swapped to levemir would that count ? 😱

Rob

 

[trophywench]

ISTR they had something new, the Clickstar was it?

 

[Northerner]

ISTR they had something new, the Clickstar was it?

Indeed: http://www.diabetessupport.co.uk/boards/showthread.php?t=8462

🙂

 

[Multicat]

I do have dexterity problems & I find the Lantus Solostar easier as it has a button at the top to push. Most times I find this easier, except for when my shoulder are stiff then I find it very hard to reach my thighs. 🙂🙂😱