Actrapid cartridges to be discontinued after December
Pharmacists have been advised to check that patients with diabetes who use Actrapid Penfill cartridges are aware that they will have to change to an alternative insulin presentation when the 3ml cartridges are discontinued at the end of this year.
Diabetes UK issued a statement saying that it is disappointed with the
decision to discontinue the product and the short notice period given. “Many
people often only see their diabetes specialist once every 12 months
and may be unaware of the discontinuation. The short notice will also
have a negative impact on the health service as doctors try to see all
those affected in just a few months. Novo Nordisk [the manufacturer of
Actrapid] should have provided 18 months’ notice, to allow sufficient
time to make the necessary changes.”
Novo Nordisk says that the use of Actrapid has been declining over recent
years, and that NovoRapid provides a suitable alternative. The Actrapid
10ml vial will remain available for use with syringes. The company has
produced posters for pharmacists to display, detailing the products to
be discontinued. They can be obtained on 0845 600 5055. The company also
says that from the end of July a notice about the products’ discontinuation
will appear on the front of each 5x3ml pack.
NovoLet insulin delivery device, Monotard and Ultratard 10ml vials and
Insulatard FlexPen are also being discontinued at the end of October. |
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