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Pharmacy green light for insulin swap due to shortage
Pharmacists have been given permission to substitute a type of insulin pen due to ongoing supply issues that will likely last well into 2024.
To help manage the shortage, pharmacists are allowed to substitute the prescribed medication in specific circumstances without contacting the prescriber.
A global shortage of the Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin pre-filled pen will likely persist until at least 5 June 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced.
To help manage the supply breakdown, the TGA has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) that declares Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch as a scarce medicine, and specifies that pharmacists can dispense Ryzodeg 70/30 Penfill in its place, under certain conditions.
‘Both products contain the same medicine, at the same strength, have the same storage requirements, and are administered by subcutaneous injection,’ the TGA states.
‘However, the device to administer the medicine is different.
‘Ryzodeg FlexTouch insulin prefilled pen is an all-in-one insulin and administration device, but the Ryzodeg Penfill insulin is a cartridge of insulin that must be administered using a separate delivery device [NovoPen].’
While the SSSI is likely to be in force until June 2024, it may be extended if the shortage continues, or revoked prior to its end date if the serious scarcity is resolved, or safety concerns are identified.
The TGA has said the shortage is due to manufacturing issues resulting from ‘unprecedented global demand’ for other medicines using the FlexTouch delivery device.
In addition to allowing pharmacists to substitute medication where appropriate, doctors have also been asked to consider the current shortage when prescribing insulin, particularly when initiating new patients.
‘Consider instructing patients on how to use the substitute medicine and devices at their next appointment,’ the TGA states.
‘Patients presenting at the pharmacy may be given information and guidance on how to administer the substitute product by their pharmacist, or they may be asked to contact you for this information.
‘NovoPen, the administration device needed to administer Ryzodeg Penfill cartridges, is a reusable insulin delivery device. Patients need to keep this reusable pen, as they need to use it for their future Ryzodeg Penfill injections.
‘The reusable NovoPen 6 administration device is free through the NovoPen 6 Pharmacy Program, with participating retail pharmacies listed via the Online Pharmacy Locator.’
More information is available on the TGA website.
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diabetes insulin Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch TGA Therapeutic Goods Administration
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