I’m a Colombian musician on tour in the US. I am about to run out of my apidra insulin. I’m finding out where to buy it in LA but it seems I need a prescription. I’m starting to worry because I don’t know how this works. Any ideas on what to do?
As a Canadian I have run out of humalog before in the US. All the analog insulins need a prescription in the US (which is dumb in my opinion.)
I went to a Walmart and had my Canadian doctor fax my humalog prescription to them and they were able to fill it without a problem.
If you are in a panic and have no other choice you can get Regular insulin without a prescription in the US. I used to use regular back in the day so I am used to using it but you may not be used to it so this may not be your first choice.
I think (and someone from California may be able to help) that it may be possible to get Apidra from a phamacy without a presciption in an emergency. Suggest you have a quick conversation with a pharmasist ASAP to figure out your next steps. Walmart is an easy choice as there are lots out there. I find that if you ask and explain your situation usually you can get what you need 
I just called cvs and they say I need a prescription. I didn’t expect that I would need it. I also didn’t expect to use so much insulin. I calculated that I would have enough, but I guess all the traveling and the food made it so.
Someone more knowledgeable here can correct me but I thought that US (maybe state by state rules?) pharmacists could dispense emergency one-time insulin requirements – a vial, a pen, whatever is needed for the short term (e.g., 30 days). I hope this is true!
that is not true in Indiana.
I suggest a walk in clinic. Take your current insulin supply so they know you are not fooling and perhaps they can offer a limited script. If not think of an ER or call your US embassy or consulate.
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I do have the pen with me. I called medical care and they say they don’t guarantee that I will get a prescription. Even though they will charge me for the appointment. I think it’s ridiculous that they would deny it.
Probably the easiest thing to do is relieve the immediate emergency by going to Walmart, getting some regular insulin and some syringes. Then in parallel, work the issue of getting a prescription for Apidra and getting it filled. I would start by walking into a pharmacy (like CVS) and ask to speak to the pharmacist. Explain your situation and ask for their advice on how to deal with the situation. Will they accept a faxed prescription from your doctor in your home country? Will they authorize a one time emergency supply? Will they recommend an urgent care (walk in clinic) that will provide an appropriate prescription and will they intervene if you have trouble? You might be surprised at how helpful a pharmacist can be.
ps. If you have insurance, they may also intervene to provide a record of your insulin use and authorize an emergency refilling.
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I agree with Brian_BSC. You may have increased blood sugar variability, but you can get the short acting R and the long acting NPH over the counter at Walmart for $30 each. No Rx needed (at least in my state). That will buy you time if you need to have it shipped from home. I have had someone FedEx me insulin when I ran out overseas.
They are not likely to deny you the Rx, although that depends on the Doc (I have almost been denied before). It may help to call them ahead of time and explain what your situation is and that you will be coming in to see them soon. Best of luck. If you have trouble, let us know.
If you can find a local endocrinology clinic and explain your situation, they may have samples on hand that they can give you for free, My Doc does that.
Hola!
There is an app called Helparound, it can help you locate people close to you and someone might be able to help you.
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Thanks every one for being so helpful, my friend contacted a friend of hers that uses novolog and has some left that I can use. I’ve never tried novolog before but I guess it’ll be ok. I go back to Colombia on Sunday so I think I’ll survive
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I’m so glad to hear this!! My son recently switched from Apidra to Novolog. There were some changes in his dosing, but they were not significant. Good luck!!
Me alegra saber que pudiste resolver. Aquí a la orden. Que tengas buen viaje
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The ER will give you insulin. It’s a medical emergency and mandatory by the US government.