As of this year my insurance needs prior authorization for both types of insulin I'm prescribed: Humalog and Humulin N.
I'm now 27 and have been on these two types of insulin since my diagnosis at age 9.
Upon my attempt to re-fill my script for Humulin N, my pharmacy tried to contact my Dr's office for authorization but since my Dr's office is inept and does not accept faxes or phone calls from pharmacies (or anywhere else for that matter), I would need to make an appointment just to get my Dr. to send off authorization for this insulin. Having been on this insulin for about 18 years and having just seen my doc, I'd rather not go right back in and spend half a day at the Dr's office just for this. However, talking with the receptionist at the office, she said the doc would call me in one vial of Novolin N to hold me over until the appointment. But wait, Novolin N? That's not even what I take. And besides, I can get Novolin N at Wal-Mart without a prescription for less than my co-pay. So I told her nevermind.
After doing some research I found that Humulin N and Novolin N appear to be similar enough to hopefully not cause much disruption in my routine/blood sugars. So, okay, I'll try that, it's what the doc was gonna call in for me anyway, no big deal.
HOWEVER, when I discovered that Humalog would also need prior authorization I became concerned, as I don't know of a comparable type available for a reasonable price without a script. Novolin R is the only option I'm finding, which seems to have a longer onset, peak and duration than Humalog.
So I'm debating whether I want to make the switch or suck it up and make an appointment just for a Humalog auth. Ugh.
I still have a couple vials so the need is not immediate.. By the time I run out it may be time to see the doc anyway.
But my questions are:
Has anyone switched from Humalog to Novolin R? How was the transition?
Does anyone use Novolin R? Do you use it in combination with another insulin and what type?
Does anyone use Novolin R and Novolin N combo? How does it work for you?
Any info/input/thoughts/etc. appreciated! :)