Affected by recent drug shortages and want to have your voice heard?

[Anna DUK]

Hi Everyone

We’ve (Diabetes UK) been approached by the Patient Editor at the British Medical Journal (BMJ) about an article they’re writing.

They’re hoping to speak to someone living with diabetes who’s been affected by drug shortages (mostly related to some of the difficulties around type 2 diabetes medication in particular).

If this is something that you’d be interested in please could you let me know in this thread or send me a private message. At some stage I will need your email address so we can put you in touch with the BMJ.

Thank you.

 

[Anna DUK]

@Flower and @Sallysw I know you have both posted about this recently - perhaps you'd like to share your experiences?

 

[PhoebeC]

Does it link to this https://www.theguardian.com/society...es-stress-anxiety-uk-diabetes-patients-type-1

Which includes impacts to Humalog vials,Fiasp FlexTouch pre-filled injecting pens and Tresiba FlexTouch pens.

 

[Anna DUK]

@PhoebeC, yes linked to the above news article you have shared.

They also want to hear from people with type 2 too. Specifically related to type 2 meds such as Ozempic and other GLP-1 injections.

Our response to serious supply issues of drugs for people with type 2 diabetes

The global shortage in supply was partly due to a surge in off-label prescriptions of the drug semaglutide being issued for weight loss, which was exceeding supply. Previously (since the summer of 2023) all stocks of GLP-1 RAs had to be reserved for those already using these medications...

www.diabetes.org.uk

 

[Anna DUK]

I also know some people have been impacted in accessing type 3c medications. If affected, do let me know if you'd like to take part in sharing your experiences.

 

[AndyGlos]

I don't know whether this will count but had a long awaited meeting with my Diabetic Nurse earlier this week. I had been on Metphormine and a large dose of Gliclazide which wasn't working. She took a look at my record book and just said Insulin needed as I didn't have readings below 10. She had a Libre 2 sensor in stock which went straight onto my arm (wonderful device). My Surgery has a dispensary attached and she put a request through for NovoMix30 prefilled pens through and told me to have a word before I left. I went and saw the girls who said they didn't have it n stock and had gone to order it but got the message 'out of stock'. They rang through to Boots in the local parade to see if they could get it and they got the same. Thankfully they were able to get it 2 days later, and the Libre sensors the day after, but it does worry me as to what might happen in future. And it's not only Diabetes medication that is difficult to get hold of sometimes. I am now ordering some repeats up to 2 weeks in advance in case of problems.

 

[Anna DUK]

I don't know whether this will count but had a long awaited meeting with my Diabetic Nurse earlier this week. I had been on Metphormine and a large dose of Gliclazide which wasn't working. She took a look at my record book and just said Insulin needed as I didn't have readings below 10. She had a Libre 2 sensor in stock which went straight onto my arm (wonderful device). My Surgery has a dispensary attached and she put a request through for NovoMix30 prefilled pens through and told me to have a word before I left. I went and saw the girls who said they didn't have it n stock and had gone to order it but got the message 'out of stock'. They rang through to Boots in the local parade to see if they could get it and they got the same. Thankfully they were able to get it 2 days later, and the Libre sensors the day after, but it does worry me as to what might happen in future. And it's not only Diabetes medication that is difficult to get hold of sometimes. I am now ordering some repeats up to 2 weeks in advance in case of problems.

Thanks for sharing this experience, @AndyGlos
I think the fact that you're having to allow a buffer time to get your repeat prescriptions says enough. The whole process can be anxiety provoking for some. I know I've had to do this in the past myself.
If you'd like to share this experience with those involved in writing the BMJ article, please do send me a private message with your email address. Thanks! 🙂

 

[Maz2]

What is causing the drug shortage?

 

[martindt1606]

Hi Everyone

We’ve (Diabetes UK) been approached by the Patient Editor at the British Medical Journal (BMJ) about an article they’re writing.

They’re hoping to speak to someone living with diabetes who’s been affected by drug shortages (mostly related to some of the difficulties around type 2 diabetes medication in particular).

If this is something that you’d be interested in please could you let me know in this thread or send me a private message. At some stage I will need your email address so we can put you in touch with the BMJ.

Thank you.

Are they interested in the long running on going CREON shortage? This is impacting many who have that little know categorisation - Type 3c.

 

[Eshlee]

@PhoebeC, yes linked to the above news article you have shared.

They also want to hear from people with type 2 too. Specifically related to type 2 meds such as Ozempic and other GLP-1 injections.

Our response to serious supply issues of drugs for people with type 2 diabetes

The global shortage in supply was partly due to a surge in off-label prescriptions of the drug semaglutide being issued for weight loss, which was exceeding supply. Previously (since the summer of 2023) all stocks of GLP-1 RAs had to be reserved for those already using these medications...

www.diabetes.org.uk

I am quite upset that Ozempic will not be available to us til 2025. Why on earth not?. I wondered if it was all the A listers and rich folk buying it all up as they say they can lose weight by it. Maybe the manufacturers are making more money selling it to the rich and have little concern for us diabetics. I hope I’m wrong. I have been prescribed Rebylsus (sp) but my readings always seem high even though my diet is roughly the same.

 

[khskel]

I had a medication review today and was advised by the pharmacist to make sure I kept a reasonable stock of creon in.