Insulins - Intermediate acting

To avoid confusion, it is advisable to prescribe insulin by brand name.

Advantages of generic prescribing are that it is generally more cost-effective, however there are some circumstances in which it is preferable to prescribe by brand name. Broadly, these circumstances are where continuity of the same brand is important due to differences in bioavailability, where training differs between products and for biological medicines.

The intention is to avoid inadvertent switching between preparations where this may have a detrimental effect on patient care.

Patient familiarity with one brand of insulin is important; instructions for use vary between preparations and patient training is required.

GREEN - Only for initiation by prescribers in primary care working under the diabetes care Locally Commissioned Service (LCS) agreement. Please refer to information found on the level of competences page within the type 2 diabetes LCS, and ensure prescribing is in accordance with the LCS documented place in therapy

Diabetes LCS