Insulin Shortage

[Russknight68]

Hi Everyone, I use Tresiba and Novorapid to control my Type 1 diabetes. I put my repeat request in for some Tresiba 3 weeks ago via Echo Pharmacy. I’ve just had as email from them to say that it’s out of stock and they have no idea when they will be able to get it. This has unnerved me to say the least as I have about 10 days left. Can anyone suggest what I can do, or is anyone else having trouble getting their meds? Thank you

 

[grovesy]

How about getting another prescription of your GP and take it to another Pharmacy.
I had not heard of this Pharmacy till today , and I saw another complaint about them on Twitter.

 

[Thebearcametoo]

Yes get another prescription either from your GP or through 111 (many GPs have online or emails options at the moment) and take it to another pharmacy. If you have trouble collecting and need it delivered many have that option set up too.

 

[Deleted member 27171]

Hi @Russknight68
There have been no reports of supply issues with any insulin and it is something we are monitoring in case issues do arise. This is most likely a wholesale problem and as suggested can usually be resolved by trying a different pharmacy. I had a delay of about a week with most recent repeat but pharmacy suggested this was due to an increase in demand as everyone seemed to be putting in their repeat requests in panic mode, rather than any problems with supply.
Do let us know if trying alternative pharmacies doesn’t help.

 

[C&E Guy]

Can you try a big-name pharmacy.

Boot's or Lloyd's?

 

[Russknight68]

Thanks Lucy, I’ve actually got another prescription issued by my GP and my pharmacist in my village reckons she’ll have my Tresiba in for Tuesday of next week. Phew!

Thank you to everyone who replied, please stay safe and well

Hi @Russknight68
There have been no reports of supply issues with any insulin and it is something we are monitoring in case issues do arise. This is most likely a wholesale problem and as suggested can usually be resolved by trying a different pharmacy. I had a delay of about a week with most recent repeat but pharmacy suggested this was due to an increase in demand as everyone seemed to be putting in their repeat requests in panic mode, rather than any problems with supply.
Do let us know if trying alternative pharmacies doesn’t help.

 

[grovesy]

Can you try a big-name pharmacy.

Boot's or Lloyd's?

Often when these queries come up, most people seem to have less issues with Independents, than chains, they seem to use more wholesalers.

 

[C&E Guy]

Often when these queries come up, most people seem to have less issues with Independents, than chains, they seem to use more wholesalers.

My local Lloyd's always seems to keep good stock, in case any regulars need an emergency supply. The Pharmacists are good friends, I've been going there for over 25 years.

 

[PMUK]

Hi Russknight68, 'Echo Pharmacy' is the Lloyds Pharmacy free online prescription service. I recently signed up with them on the advice of my local Lloyds Pharmacy and, after a minor technical issue (which their excellent support team helped to sort), I placed my first order (which included Toujeo Insulin pens) through my local surgery via the online Patient Access service.

I did get an initial ‘waiting for stocks/ bear with us during this busy period as we’ve had a lot of new sign-ups’ message, but the 24-hour tracked delivery was soon on it’s way. It duly arrived and was very well packed (with ice wraps for the insulin).

They recommend ordering well in advance at present - which makes sense (I think their App includes a reminder option).

NHS Echo Link: Click Here

Phil

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Sorry to hear you had that scare @Russknight68

Pharmacies often use quite scary language to describe these temporary issues, which can make it sound like there’s a more general manufacture or supply issue - but generally just going to a different pharmacy (with a different supplier) solves it!

Oh... and... Welcome to the forum!