My pharmacy contacted me today saying that they were unable to get my Apidra due to lack of availability, and there is no listed expected date for when it'll be available. I have 3 pens left, and they expire in March, but I have a feeling they'll last a bit longer than that. However, I'm going on a 6 week vacation starting at the end of March and would need to get my next batch of insulin before then. I've been on Humalog and had some issues, though I haven't tried Novolog yet, which works for my brother, so that would likely be my backup option. Switching insulins is always a pain though, especially before a long trip.
Just curious if anyone else has been able to get Apidra pens. I saw that back in December there was a post on here about some others in a similar situation. If you got some, how long did you have to wait for your order to come through?
I hadn't heard about this shortage, Dan; I use Apidra in vials for my pump. Is the shortage just in the pens? Wouldn't it be easier for you to switch to vial and syringe if so, rather than dealing with the switch to a different fast-acting insulin?
yeah - in theory. however, i'm going on a month vacation to China in April to visit my in laws. they live in the country side and only have a freezer, no fridge! i suppose i could buy a frio and manage, but it would also be easier to carry pens than bring all those needles with me.
Wow, bad timing, Dan! You might have your in laws or someone check in the nearest town, or where you're flying into to see if they have Apidra pens in the pharmacy. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I actually started using Apidra in pens when I was living in Guatemala. I don't know about China but in Guatemala you didn't need a prescription.
Oh and you might want to get a Frio anyway, since you won't have a fridge, to keep your pens in when traveling as well as the open one. They're great little things - they last a few days and when they need revitalizing you just soak them in cold water.
