[Diabetes-talk] FYI Humalog, Humalog Mix insulin pen availability changes

[Priscilla McKinley]

I received a notice from CVS about a month ago that told me this.
When I went to pick up prescriptions yesterday, my pharmacy was out of
the old pens and said they filled my order with the new ones.  The
thing is that the new pens were a lot more expensive, at least for my
insurance company.  The last time I got pens, my part was about $50.
This time, my part was $95.  Ridiculous!  I might go back to the good
old-fashioned bottle and syringes with those prices.

So has anyone tried the Quick pens?  I still have one more regular
Humalog pen, which I will use before the new pens.  They are
different, though.  Anyone noticed the changes?

Thanks,

Priscilla

On 11/3/10, Tamera <fidano at comcast.net> wrote:
> Thought this might be of interest to those using these pens.
>
>
> --------------------------------------------------
> From: "iGuard.org" <drug.alert at iguard.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2010 2:01 AM
> To: <fidano at comcast.net>
> Subject: Humalog, Humalog Mix insulin pen availability changes
>
>>
>> Discontinuation of Original Prefilled Pens for Humalog and Humalog Mix
>>
>> As of January 1, 2011, Lilly will no longer manufacture the original
>> Prefilled Pens that contain:
>> Humalog (insulin lispro injection [rDNA origin])
>> Humalog Mix 75/25 (75% insulin lispro protamine suspension, 25% insulin
>> lispro injection [rDNA origin]), and
>> Humalog Mix 50/50 (50% insulin lispro protamine suspension, 50% insulin
>> lispro injection [rDNA origin]).
>>
>> This action is being taken in an effort to align Humalog prefilled devices
>>
>> under a single pen platform. By the end of October 2010, it is expected
>> that the original Prefilled Pen containing Humalog Mix50/50 will no longer
>>
>> be available to pharmacies and healthcare providers. At this time, the
>> original Prefilled Pen containing Humalog or Humalog Mix75/25 continues to
>>
>> be available, and pharmacies and healthcare providers can order and
>> dispense these to patients until supplies are exhausted.
>>
>> There are several brands and formulations of insulin available. This
>> discontinuation alert only applies to the original Prefilled Pen that
>> contains Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, and Humalog Mix 50/50. The Humalog
>> brand of insulin will continue to be available in other delivery options
>> including a pen device called the KwikPen.
>>
>> To learn more about the discontinuation of these products and the
>> available KwikPen Product, please visit:
>> Humalog Pen - http://www.iguard.org/r/0wkhRS8tj4nA
>> Humalog Mix 75/25 Pen - http://www.iguard.org/r/0BA08DvTLkB2
>> Humalog Mix 50/50 Pen - http://www.iguard.org/r/0FPKeIL6GQ
>> ****
>> WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
>>
>> If you use the original Prefilled Pen that contains Humalog, Humalog Mix
>> 75/25, or Humalog Mix 50/50, please be aware that this pen soon may no
>> longer be available in your pharmacy. Please speak to your pharmacist,
>> doctor, or other healthcare provider managing your diabetes to determine
>> whether or not you will need a new prescription for the KwikPen product.
>> If you have concerns about your Humalog or Humalog Mix Product or if you
>> are interested in different insulin delivery options, please speak with
>> our doctor or other healthcare provider managing your diabetes.
>>
>> If you still have original Prefilled Pens containing Humalog, Humalog Mix
>> 75/25, or Humalog 50/50, you can continue to use these pens until the
>> expiration date stamped on the carton and pen as long as they have been
>> stored under proper conditions.
>>
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