Lilly announced this week that it is to withdraw a number of products from
its Humulin insulin range. The products which are being discontinued are listed
in the panel below. Other products, including Humulin Lente and Humalog, will
continue to be available.
Lilly says that the changes are being made so that it can focus on producing
the insulins used by the “vast majority” of patients. A spokesman
for the company told The Journal on September 25 that the products would be
phased out over the next six months. He added that the exact date of discontinuation
would be determined by the speed at which demand fell but that he expected most
products to remain available until March, 2001.
The company says that it is taking steps to support both patients and health
care professionals during the period of change. It will provide charts to assist
specialists in selecting new treatments, plus information for patients. In addition,
a telephone helpline will be available for health care professionals and patients.
Further information can be obtained from Lilly (tel 0800 0850 777).
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Insulins that are to be phased out
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Diabetes UK (formerly the British Diabetic Association) said that it was disappointed at Lilly’s decision because the choice of insulin would be reduced. A spokesman emphasised that patients would need help from both Lilly and health care professionals. For example, they would need help in changing from 1.5 to 3ml pens, he said. However, for most patients, the changes would not be too significant.