Humulin switch

[mashedupmatt]

In terms of Levemir being discontnued I understand it's a combination of the patent expiring plus them (Novo Nordisk) making more money from other injectables - shame because I like the way it is very good for splitting my dose and adjusting night-time one if necessary

 

[Harvey1921]

In terms of Levemir being discontnued I understand it's a combination of the patent expiring plus them (Novo Nordisk) making more money from other injectables - shame because I like the way it is very good for splitting my dose and adjusting night-time one if necessary

Yes, I'd heard that the injectable weight loss drugs are more profitable but type 1 diabetes isn't going to go away so, in the long-term, you'd think it would be good return on their investment.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Yes, I'd heard that the injectable weight loss drugs are more profitable but type 1 diabetes isn't going to go away so, in the long-term, you'd think it would be good return on their investment.

While I like Levemir, I presume they've found that longer acting basal insulins have been getting more popular along with pumps (and looping) such that (together with the patent expiring, presuming that's true) they think it's not valuable enough to keep producing.

 

[rebrascora]

They have made their money on Levemir and now, as it comes out of patent, they know they can make more profits by switching those factory production lines to weight loss injectables instead which has a vastly greater market and very high demand.
More and more Type 1s are going onto pumps which means that basal insulins have less of a future and of course in countries like the USA most Type 1s with health insurance will be on pumps.

I am gutted as I absolutely love Levemir for it's flexibility and I am hoping that now the patent is expired another company might produce a generic version. I am also currently ordering my Levemir every month instead of every 2-3 months to build up a little bit of stock to tide me over as long as possible after pharmacy stocks run out. I have looked at the options and Humulin I is likely going to be my replacement when I eventually have to make the switch, but my consultant has said I can continue with Levemir until it is no longer available. At the moment 2026 seems like a long way away, but it will no doubt be here sooner than I expect.

Sorry to hear you are struggling with Humulin I. I have no experience of Insulatard so I don't know how comparable it is to Levemir or Humulin. I would certainly be prepared to inject basal 3 times a day to get better coverage if necessary or maybe you could consider moving your evening dose to earlier. I would far rather have more injections and keep the flexibility, as move to Tresiba and have just one jab but almost no flexibility, especially as it is my nighttime basal needs which are the most variable.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

I have no experience of Insulatard so I don't know how comparable it is to Levemir or Humulin.

I used it (with Actrapid) before I was switched to Novorapid and Levemir. It's a last generation insulin (with a not very flat profile) so I doubt it would be offered to new Type 1 patients. (For some Type 2 patients the cost presumably makes it attractive.)

Not sure why Humulin I is apparently causing such problems since I think it's supposed to be comparable. But any change can mess things up, I guess.

 

[Inka]

Yes, I'd heard that the injectable weight loss drugs are more profitable but type 1 diabetes isn't going to go away so, in the long-term, you'd think it would be good return on their investment.

There are a lot less of us whereas the weight loss market is huge, so I guess they’re thinking of that. It’s sad. I think we should have a broad choice of insulins so we can find what suits us as individuals.