Problem with Nhs prescribing BD microfine plus , u100 syringes with needle attached

[Inka]

I foresee a problem. I mix the insulins morning and evening with Neutral only for lunch and corrections. That upping injections from 3 to 5 a day. After 60 odd years I have areas I can no longer inject because of the longer thicker needles in days of old and probably some strange insulin products long gone.

Ah, well in that case pens wouldn’t suit you. Personally I find the pens more convenient and the needle choice better (finer and different lengths so that outweighs the extra injections) I wonder if they’re also more skin-friendly. I don’t know. You could, if you chose, use a pen for your lunchtime Neutral as they’re more portable I find.

If you’re happy as you are, all’s good. I like the fact you have a slightly different regime (with the two mixed plus a lunchtime Neutral). We all have to do what suits us as individuals🙂

 

[Pumper_Sue]

Hi, I have a dear friend, type one with many additional disabilities. She has been told by her GP clinic that it is not possible to prescribe the above as they are no longer available in the Uk. She has limitations using her hands and pushing a Pen system to release the insulin is very difficult and painful for her. I am thinking of contacting the BMC, but wanting to check the accuracy of what she is being told. Help.

I had some syringes earlier this year.
Have a chat with pharmacist who will be able to clarify the situation.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Hope your friend manages to get to the bottom of the syringe mystery @Kearnspaula

I think there may be other manufacturers of syringes, but BD certainly seem to be the go-to brand.

 

[PattiEvans]

FWIW some years ago at a diabetes event I came across the Insujet which is quite a different insulin delivery system. Apparently easy to use for partially sighted people. No idea how difficult it is for people with limited hand function, but worth a thought https://shop.spirit-health.co.uk/pages/insujet. From previous information I understand Spirit Healthcare Customer services are vey helpful.

At the same exhibition there was another different device, but I cannot recall the name of it. @everydayupsanddowns was at the same exhibition and may remember.

 

[PattiEvans]

@Kearnspaula I cannot believe the nurse who said “you either use a pen or go without. Talk about lack of patient care and no empathy whatsoever. Personally I would be so offended I would complain to the practice about her.

 

[Kearnspaula]

Many thanks to everyone, my friend is not keen on complaining, when she recovers Fron eye surgery she will contact one of the home delivery nhs services, check they can provide all her meds including the syringes and change to them as pharmacy, she is then looking to change Gp practice as she’s had problems for years now, this has been last straw.

 

[leonS]

I use a syringe from choice. I see no advantage in a pen. But the problem is the other way round, not all insulins are available in a vial. I have to use a pen for the long acting insulin. This does mean that there is no danger of confusing the two insulins.

Syringe needles are available on the NHS, but detting the prescribed was like pulling teeth. They are available in 1 ml 0.5 ml and 0.3 ml capacity. The needle that I use is 8 mm x 30 G.

 

[Inka]

But the problem is the other way round, not all insulins are available in a vial. I have to use a pen for the long acting insulin

I didn’t know that @leonS I assumed all insulins were available in vials. Can I ask which long-acting you’re using? Are there lots that aren’t in vials?

 

[helli]

But the problem is the other way round, not all insulins are available in a vial.

Can you not draw up the insulin into a syringe from a cartridge?
I have done this to fill my pump when I had trouble getting a vial.

Or are you saying that your long lasting insulin is only available in single use pens?

(Sorry if I appear to be questioning you Leon. That is not the intention, I was trying to be helpful and suggest another approach.)

 

[Inka]

There’s a reason (which I can’t remember) why you’re not supposed to draw up insulin from a cartridge. I remember being told when I went onto a pump. Something to do with pressure? accuracy?

 

[SuperBee]

There’s a reason (which I can’t remember) why you’re not supposed to draw up insulin from a cartridge. I remember being told when I went onto a pump. Something to do with pressure? accuracy?

There's a DUK article on this:

"New PCDS statement on using insulin from pens in syringes | Diabetes UK" https://www.diabetes.org.uk/profess...rom-insulin-pen-cartridges-and-prefilled-pens

 

[Inka]

Thank you for that @SuperBee 🙂 I had no idea there was a statement. I just remember my DSN emphasising it but couldn’t remember why it wasn’t recommended.

 

[Piglet]

To verify the GP comments re prescriptions you can gain access to the local prescribing rules for your local area. They are publicly available. Look for the net formulator for your local CCG.
Good luck

 

[Kearnspaula]

I use a syringe from choice. I see no advantage in a pen. But the problem is the other way round, not all insulins are available in a vial. I have to use a pen for the long acting insulin. This does mean that there is no danger of confusing the two insulins.

Syringe needles are available on the NHS, but detting the prescribed was like pulling teeth. They are available in 1 ml 0.5 ml and 0.3 ml capacity. The needle that I use is 8 mm x 30 G.

Hiya, yep, I know nhs funding has limits, but my friends choice has been taken away and the choice she is left with is not workable, thank you

 

[Kearnspaula]

To verify the GP comments re prescriptions you can gain access to the local prescribing rules for your local area. They are publicly available. Look for the net formulator for your local CCG.
Good luck

Ah thank you, when I worked in social services I could ring the particular practice and gain the info, so it’s good to know there is a way for public to access info. Many thanks