My Dog Ate My Insulin Pen

[Mobi]

Way back in Late November I left my Humalog insulin pen on a chair, and Cookie, my golden retrieve, decided it looked like a small bone, and removed it from the chair and chewed it to pieces.

Now I have been using Humalog insulin pens for a very long time (they are made by Eli Lilly who also supplies the insulin) and from time to time over the years, I have had to replace my pen due to malfunction, loss etc, and and never had any problem buying one in any decent sized pharmacy.

But this time, I went into Pattaya Fascino, who usually have a number of pens in stock, and were told they were out of stock and would order one for me from Bangkok, and should be with them in a few days.

Well, to cut a long story short, days turned to weeks and weeks have now turned to months, and I now am advised that there are absolutely no Humalog insulin pens in Thailand, and the importer has no idea when, or even if ,there will be a new supply.

I have also searched far and wide, and can verify that the country is completely out of stock.

Yet - the Humalog insulin cartridges, which fit into the pens, are still readily available at all major pharmacies.

For over two months now I have had to resort to using a conventional insulin hypodermic needle, and sticking into the end of the cartridge to draw out my insulin shots. This is highly unsatisfactory, as it is not only wasteful, but I am unable to collect the precise amount required into the needle cartridge, as the calibration is not that fine tuned, and I have ended up having a number of hypos, due to over dosing.

I cannot believe an international drug company the size of Eli Lilley can allow the situation to arise in a country where they do considerable business, and further moire, are putting patients' lives at risk.

What the h..ll is going on with Lilley and why the pen shortage?

Don't tell me there is a trade dispute!!

Edited January 31, 2009 by Mobi

[Mossfinn]

Humalog insulin pen

M,

are these hard to come by in the UK, would you like me to send over one?

Moss

Edited January 31, 2009 by Mossfinn

[Mobi]

Humalog insulin pen

M,

are these hard to come by in the UK, would you like me to send over one?

Moss

They are in plentiful supply everywhere in the world - except Thailand. In England they usually give you one free, as you are buying their products, and I see on Lily's USA site that they also give them out free. Here they cost 2,500 Baht.

If you send one over it will either get stolen by the post office or seized by customs - but thanks for the offer.

[endure]

Tell us what we need to ask for at a pharmacy in the UK and PM us your address. We'll see what we can do.

[tutsiwarrior]

you might want to inquire regarding the Novopen system (easy-to-use pen/dispenser, screw-on disposable needles and packaged insulin). Novopen (Mixtard 30) products are usually widely available...even in deepest, darkest rural Suphanburi where I live. Not sure how Novopen would compare with Humulin pricewise, however...

[Mobi]

Tell us what we need to ask for at a pharmacy in the UK and PM us your address. We'll see what we can do.

Here are the details of the pen I use:

PEN

I am going to Bangkok today and will see my diabetes specialist at Bumrungrad tomorrow. I will discuss the problems with her and see if she has a source or a solution. If not I will let you know.

you might want to inquire regarding the Novopen system (easy-to-use pen/dispenser, screw-on disposable needles and packaged insulin). Novopen (Mixtard 30) products are usually widely available...even in deepest, darkest rural Suphanburi where I live. Not sure how Novopen would compare with Humulin pricewise, however...

Tutsi, yes, Novo pens are available in Pattaya, and I even tried to see if my Humalog cartridge would fit into their pen, but it won't.

I used to take Novo insulin many years back but was switched to Humalog (which is very fast acting) so naturally;y I am reluctant to go back to my prior med. I will discuss with my specialist.

[TerryLH]

An off the exact subject, but related.

I'll be traveling overseas next month. How do I carry my insulin (Mixtard 30 HM)?

The packageing says it's supposed to be kept refrigerated.

Also, anyone have any problems carrying syringes and needles?

Thanks

Terry

[Mobi]

An off the exact subject, but related.

I'll be traveling overseas next month. How do I carry my insulin (Mixtard 30 HM)?

The packageing says it's supposed to be kept refrigerated.

Also, anyone have any problems carrying syringes and needles?

Thanks

Terry

There are a number of products available that are designed to keep your insulin cool - sort of mini ice bags. Check the BDA site or any pharmacy that specialises in diabetic products.

If you are only going for up to one month, I wouldn't worry too much as insulin can be kept out of a fridge for up to 3-4 weeks before and during use. In fact once it has warmed to room temperature you shouldn't re- refrigerate it. I personally have kept insulin at room temperature for up to 2 months with no ill effects.

You can also ask the cabin staff to keep it in their fridge on the plane. I used to do this, but they always forgot about it, and it was real hassle trying to get it back.

Syringes and needles is a bit of an unknown. I put my major supply in the checked in bag, but always carry a small supply of needles etc on board with me in case of emergency. So far no problems, but if you want to be absolutely safe, I suggest you get a GP letter confirming you are a diabetic and your need to carry this stuff with you.

On my way back from Cambodia a few days ago I had a packaged hypodermic needle in my pocket, and the security girl found it - looked at it - didn't seem to know what it was and returned it to me.

[TerryLH]

Thanks Mobi

[bazmlb]

Maybe you don't just need a new insulin pen?

[Mobi]

Maybe you don't just need a new insulin pen?

That's strange - I have a few books on golden retrievers that look just like that - along with a couple of chewed mobile phones and various other tid bits, to say nothing of mangled shoes and flip flops.

[bazmlb]

Its scary to think that something as simple as a dogs chewing habits can turn into a life threatening situation

[sbk]

baz has been waiting for an opportunity to use that pic Mobi

Do you know anybody who may be coming over soon that could bring a pen with them? That is the safest way to get stuff back, tbh.

[Mobi]

I am happy to report that Bumrungrad hospital presented me with a free Humalog pen this morning, so I am now back in business.

Thanks very much folks for all your offers of help. It is much appreciated.

[TonyBkk]

Is Humalog easily available in Bangkok pharmacys? the type that comes in a 10cc multi use vial ? I've recently switched from humulin-R which I heard was available at most pharmacies. Any idea what cost they usually charge, I dont want to get the farang price

[tutsiwarrior]

Is Humalog easily available in Bangkok pharmacys? the type that comes in a 10cc multi use vial ? I've recently switched from humulin-R which I heard was available at most pharmacies. Any idea what cost they usually charge, I dont want to get the farang price

if yer coming to Thailand as a visitor I recommend bringing a supply of what you regularly use in order to avoid confusing dosage when switching medicine. I switched from novolit to humulin in Saigon as the former was not readily available and worried alot about low BG episodes...the novolit has a measured dose built in and with humulin you got to use syringes. If yer coming to spend time here go see a doctor when you arrive and show him what you presently use; he/she can assist in applying a proper dose using available products.

btw, I've found that pharmacy people most places in the world are usually sober types that worry about dispensing the proper medication rather than ripping off foreigners...other people's experiences may vary.

Edited March 5, 2009 by tutsiwarrior

[TonyBkk]

Thanks for the reply, I’m going to be situated in Bangkok for another 2years. I went to check out the situation in some pharmacies today, and I also got a nice new 'one touch ultra' as I broke the screen on my old BG monitoring system.

From the long conversation I had with one of the pharmacists, she told me the most common type of insulin Thais use is Humalin-N, the bigger pharmacies will all keep some in stock, while smaller ones will need to order it in for you, taking about 1-2days. It goes for 400Baht per 10ml 100I.U per ml. The faster acting Humalin-R is also the same price but most pharmacies won’t stock it. The one I use, Humalog is only available in a box of 5 x 3ml cartridges and sells for 1,800. It's not available in Thailand in a 10ml vial.

None of the pharmacies I went to asked to see a prescription.

[tutsiwarrior]

thanks for posting your info; us expat diabetics need all that we can find

I just bought a 'one touch ultra2' BG meter in Saudi to replace the one purchased 5 years ago. Basically the same machine but with extra data storage features and a separate battery for the display back light. I have found that test strips for these machines are the most widely available in Thailand. This is useful to know as there is nothing more frustrating than not having test strips when yer wantin' to measure glycemic reaction over a control period.

all the best

btw: 5 years ago I had to have a prescription to buy insulin up here in Suphanburi; 4 months ago at the pharmacy at Foodland on Suk soi 5 it wasn't required.

Edited March 5, 2009 by tutsiwarrior

[Mobi]

Sorry for the delay in replying - haven't been much on Thai Visa lately.

The OP is correct in stating that Humalog is only available in 3Ml cartridges in Thailand, but I am a little puzzled why he requires the 10 Ml vial. Why don't you get a supply of insulin pens (one pen will last indefinitely, if your dog doesn't eat it or you don't forget it somewhere),from the UK and use the cartridges?

If you must use vials, then I suggest you talk to your specialist about an alternative (Humalin N is NOT an alternative for Humalog as it is a slow acting insulin, and humalog is fast acting. I believe Novo Nordisk market a similar fast acting insulin to Humalog in Thailand as my specialaist mentioned it me when I was having probelems getting a replacement Humalog pen, but you need to check it out.

I agree that ONE TOUCH Ultra is the moist commonly available test meter and strips here , and also seems to be used by all the major hospitals. I have also purchased a PC link cable that enables me to download all my results, and produces very pretty charts, daily records, pie charts and goodness knows what else.

[tutsiwarrior]

Sorry for the delay in replying - haven't been much on Thai Visa lately.

The OP is correct in stating that Humalog is only available in 3Ml cartridges in Thailand, but I am a little puzzled why he requires the 10 Ml vial. Why don't you get a supply of insulin pens (one pen will last indefinitely, if your dog doesn't eat it or you don't forget it somewhere),from the UK and use the cartridges?

If you must use vials, then I suggest you talk to your specialist about an alternative (Humalin N is NOT an alternative for Humalog as it is a slow acting insulin, and humalog is fast acting. I believe Novo Nordisk market a similar fast acting insulin to Humalog in Thailand as my specialaist mentioned it me when I was having probelems getting a replacement Humalog pen, but you need to check it out.

I agree that ONE TOUCH Ultra is the moist commonly available test meter and strips here , and also seems to be used by all the major hospitals. I have also purchased a PC link cable that enables me to download all my results, and produces very pretty charts, daily records, pie charts and goodness knows what else.

yeah...my brother-in-law was coming out to Thailand to visit and asked me what I wanted from 'home'; I said 5 dozen corn tortillas and a new BG meter as I could't find strips for the fancy italian job I had...he works at Kaiser hospital in Los Angeles and just grabbed the first thing offa the shelf and it was one touch ultra...he put it on the table without explanation an' went down soi Nana to look fer the usual...

a handy gadget that needs no explanation...

[invisibleee]

Hi,

I'm a product specialist for diabetes products.

If any of you run into situations where you can't find HumaPens or Humulin/Humalog.

Please let me know, I can help provide the names of hospitals where you can get the drugs/devices

Every patient's life is important and we want to help you!

[PeaceBlondie]

Dogs and human medicine stuff don't mix well. My daughter's Golden Retriever ate a month's supply of ADD medicine and had to have his stomach pumped out.

[mouse]

Hi,

I'm a product specialist for diabetes products.

If any of you run into situations where you can't find HumaPens or Humulin/Humalog.

Please let me know, I can help provide the names of hospitals where you can get the drugs/devices

Every patient's life is important and we want to help you!

What do you know about automatic insulin pumps, that act by themselves without human interference?