From 30 September 2024, the following insulins will no longer be available in Aotearoa New Zealand: Penmix30, Penmix50 and Mixtard30.
NZSSD has issued recommendations for switching to alternative insulins (file linked below), but please be aware Novomix30 is dispensed in a pre-filled disposable pen, whereas patients will require a Humapen for the Humulin and Humalog configurations as these insulins are dispensed in cartridges.
This may be the ideal time to review the management of your patients prescribed Penmix30, Penmix50, or Mixtard30, as they may be suitable for non-insulin medication that was not available when they first started using insulin.
Consider referring these patients to the diabetes lead nurse in your practice, or contacting the Pinnacle clinical diabetes specialist in your area if you would like further information about this.
Kathy joined Pinnacle earlier this month as clinical diabetes specialist for Waikato, replacing the role previously held by Anne Waterman.
Read morePharmac is now allowing new special authority applications for liraglutide (Victoza) from 1 March 2025. The special authority criteria will be the same as when special authorities were suspended in May 2024. This will again allow prescribing according to national guidelines and best practice. Pharmac has assured the intention is for no further suspensions of special authority criteria for GLP-1 agonists to allow ongoing access for those who meet criteria. To ensure availability, it continues to be important these medications are only prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Please contact the Pinnacle diabetes lead in your area if you have any questions.
Read moreThe clinical diabetes specialist in primary care provides clinical mentorship and advice to the practice team in supporting patients with diabetes.
View detailsA guide for clinical management of type 2 diabetes, to support nurses at all levels to develop their knowledge and clinical reasoning in diabetes care.