Walmart insulin otc. Walmart’s Revolutionary Private Brand Analog Insulin: Affordable Diabetes Care Solution
How does Walmart’s ReliOn NovoLog insulin impact diabetes care affordability. What are the key features of this private brand analog insulin. How much can patients save with ReliOn NovoLog compared to branded insulin products. Why is this launch significant for diabetes management and healthcare accessibility.
Walmart’s Groundbreaking Move in Diabetes Care
Walmart has taken a significant step in revolutionizing diabetes care by introducing the first-ever private brand analog insulin. This launch marks a pivotal moment in healthcare accessibility, particularly for those struggling with the financial burden of diabetes management.
ReliOn NovoLog: A Game-Changer in Insulin Affordability
The new ReliOn NovoLog insulin, available exclusively through Walmart’s private ReliOn brand, offers a rapid-acting insulin analog for controlling high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. This innovative product comes in two forms:
- Analog insulin vials priced at $72.88
- FlexPen® priced at $85.88
These prices represent a significant reduction compared to branded insulin products, potentially revolutionizing diabetes care accessibility for millions of Americans.
Cost Savings and Accessibility: A Closer Look
The introduction of ReliOn NovoLog insulin brings substantial cost savings for patients. How much can diabetic individuals save with this new offering? Walmart reports that customers can expect savings between 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded analog insulin products. In concrete terms, this translates to:
- Up to $101 savings per branded vial
- Up to $251 savings per package of branded FlexPens®
These savings could make a significant difference in the lives of those managing diabetes, especially considering the high medical costs associated with the condition.
The Impact on Diabetes Management and Healthcare Accessibility
Diabetes management often comes with a hefty price tag. According to the American Diabetes Association, the estimated medical costs for a person with diabetes are around $9,601 per year. How does Walmart’s initiative address this issue?
By offering an affordable, high-quality medication, Walmart is tackling one of the major barriers to effective diabetes management – cost. This move aligns with the company’s commitment to improving access to care and lowering its cost, particularly for underserved populations who are disproportionately impacted by diabetes.
Expanding the ReliOn Portfolio
ReliOn NovoLog insulin joins Walmart’s existing suite of affordable diabetes products. What other resources does Walmart offer for diabetes management?
- Blood glucose monitors
- Lancets
- Other diabetes management essentials
This comprehensive approach provides customers with choices in their diabetes management, although it’s crucial to note that treatment decisions should always be based on healthcare provider recommendations.
The Manufacturing Partnership: Walmart and Novo Nordisk
ReliOn NovoLog insulin is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company with extensive experience in diabetes care. This partnership combines Walmart’s reach and affordability focus with Novo Nordisk’s expertise in insulin production.
Availability and Access
When and where can patients access ReliOn NovoLog insulin? The product rollout is as follows:
- Available in Walmart pharmacies as of June 2021
- Coming to Sam’s Club pharmacies in mid-July 2021
- Accessible across the United States
It’s important to note that a prescription is required to purchase ReliOn NovoLog insulin. Patients should consult with their healthcare providers to determine if this insulin is appropriate for their diabetes management plan.
Understanding NovoLog® (insulin aspart) Injection
What exactly is NovoLog® insulin, and how does it work? NovoLog® is a man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. As a rapid-acting insulin analog, it helps manage blood glucose levels effectively.
Important Safety Considerations
While ReliOn NovoLog offers an affordable option for diabetes management, it’s crucial to use it safely. What are some key safety considerations for NovoLog® insulin?
- Do not share NovoLog® FlexPen®, FlexTouch®, PenFill® cartridge, or PenFill® cartridge compatible insulin delivery device with others, even if the needle has been changed.
- Sharing insulin devices may risk transmission of serious viral or bacterial infections.
- Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper usage and dosage instructions.
Walmart’s Broader Healthcare Initiatives
The launch of ReliOn NovoLog insulin is part of Walmart’s larger commitment to healthcare accessibility. How does this fit into Walmart’s overall healthcare strategy?
Walmart has a history of introducing innovative solutions to increase access to quality, affordable healthcare resources. A notable example is the company’s $4 generic prescription program, launched over a decade ago. The ReliOn NovoLog offering builds on this foundation, further solidifying Walmart’s role in making healthcare more accessible and affordable.
Walmart’s Healthcare Reach
To understand the potential impact of this initiative, it’s worth considering Walmart’s extensive reach:
- Approximately 220 million customers and members visit Walmart stores and clubs weekly
- The company operates about 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries
- Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide
This vast network provides a significant platform for improving healthcare accessibility, particularly for underserved populations.
The Broader Context: Diabetes in America
To fully appreciate the significance of Walmart’s ReliOn NovoLog insulin, it’s essential to understand the context of diabetes in the United States. How prevalent is diabetes, and what are its economic impacts?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 34 million Americans have diabetes, and another 88 million adults have prediabetes. The economic burden of diagnosed diabetes reached nearly $327 billion in 2017, including $237 billion in direct medical costs and $90 billion in reduced productivity.
The Challenge of Insulin Affordability
Why is insulin affordability such a critical issue? Despite being a life-saving medication for millions of people with diabetes, insulin prices have risen dramatically over the past few decades. Some key points to consider:
- The average list price of insulin nearly tripled between 2002 and 2013
- One in four patients reports rationing their insulin due to cost
- High insulin costs can lead to poor adherence, resulting in serious health complications
Walmart’s initiative directly addresses this affordability crisis, potentially improving health outcomes for millions of Americans with diabetes.
The Future of Diabetes Care: Implications and Potential Impacts
What could the introduction of Walmart’s ReliOn NovoLog insulin mean for the future of diabetes care? This move could have far-reaching implications for both patients and the healthcare industry as a whole.
Potential Benefits for Patients
For individuals living with diabetes, the availability of affordable insulin could lead to:
- Improved medication adherence
- Better blood glucose control
- Reduced risk of diabetes-related complications
- Lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs
These benefits could significantly enhance quality of life and long-term health outcomes for people with diabetes.
Industry-Wide Impact
How might Walmart’s initiative influence the broader healthcare and pharmaceutical industries? Several potential impacts could emerge:
- Increased competition in the insulin market
- Pressure on other manufacturers to reduce insulin prices
- Greater focus on affordable healthcare solutions from other retailers
- Renewed discussions about drug pricing and healthcare policy
Walmart’s move could catalyze broader changes in how diabetes care and other chronic conditions are managed and priced in the United States.
Challenges and Considerations
While the introduction of ReliOn NovoLog insulin represents a significant step forward in diabetes care affordability, it’s important to consider potential challenges and limitations. What factors should be taken into account when evaluating this initiative?
Prescription Requirement
ReliOn NovoLog insulin still requires a prescription, which means patients need to have access to a healthcare provider to benefit from this more affordable option. This requirement could pose a barrier for some individuals, particularly those in underserved communities with limited access to healthcare services.
Individual Variability in Diabetes Management
It’s crucial to remember that diabetes management is highly individualized. While ReliOn NovoLog may be an excellent option for many patients, it may not be suitable for everyone. Healthcare providers play a vital role in determining the most appropriate treatment plan for each patient.
Education and Support
Effective diabetes management involves more than just access to affordable medication. What additional support might be necessary to maximize the impact of this initiative?
- Patient education on proper insulin use and storage
- Guidance on lifestyle factors affecting diabetes management
- Regular health monitoring and follow-up care
Comprehensive diabetes care requires a holistic approach that goes beyond medication accessibility.
The Role of Retailers in Healthcare Innovation
Walmart’s launch of ReliOn NovoLog insulin raises interesting questions about the evolving role of retailers in healthcare innovation. How are retailers shaping the future of healthcare delivery and accessibility?
In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing trend of retailers entering the healthcare space. This shift is driven by several factors:
- Retailers’ extensive reach and accessibility
- The need for more affordable healthcare options
- Opportunities to leverage existing infrastructure for healthcare delivery
Walmart’s initiative is a prime example of how retailers can leverage their strengths to address significant healthcare challenges.
Potential for Further Innovation
What other healthcare innovations might we see from retailers in the future? Some possibilities include:
- Expansion of in-store health clinics
- Development of other private-label medications
- Integration of digital health technologies
- Partnerships with healthcare providers and insurers
As retailers continue to explore their role in healthcare, we may see more groundbreaking initiatives that improve accessibility and affordability of care.
Conclusion: A Step Towards More Accessible Diabetes Care
Walmart’s launch of ReliOn NovoLog insulin represents a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to make diabetes care more accessible and affordable. By offering a high-quality, private-brand analog insulin at a fraction of the cost of branded products, Walmart is addressing a critical need for millions of Americans living with diabetes.
This initiative has the potential to improve medication adherence, enhance health outcomes, and reduce the financial burden of diabetes management for many patients. Moreover, it may spark broader changes in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries, potentially leading to more affordable options for other medications and treatments.
However, it’s important to remember that this is just one piece of the complex puzzle of diabetes care. Comprehensive management of diabetes requires a multifaceted approach, including regular medical care, patient education, lifestyle modifications, and ongoing support.
As we look to the future, Walmart’s ReliOn NovoLog insulin serves as a powerful example of how innovative approaches and partnerships can address significant healthcare challenges. It underscores the potential for retailers to play a transformative role in healthcare delivery and accessibility, potentially paving the way for further innovations that could benefit patients across a range of health conditions.
Ultimately, the success of this initiative will be measured by its impact on patient health outcomes and quality of life. As ReliOn NovoLog insulin becomes more widely available, it will be crucial to monitor its adoption, effectiveness, and long-term impact on diabetes care in the United States. This launch may well mark the beginning of a new era in affordable diabetes management, offering hope and improved health prospects for millions of Americans living with this chronic condition.
Walmart Revolutionizes Insulin Access & Affordability for Patients With Diabetes With the Launch of the First and Only Private Brand Analog Insulin
Walmart’s exclusive ReliOn™ NovoLog® vials and FlexPens® will save customers 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded insulin products.
BENTONVILLE, Ark., June 29, 2021 — Walmart announced the launch of the first-ever private brand analog insulin, which will revolutionize the access and affordability to diabetes care by offering customers a significant price savings without compromising quality. Available exclusively through Walmart’s private ReliOn brand, the new offering includes analog insulin vials ($72.88) and FlexPen® ($85.88). These products will save customers1 between 58% to 75% off the cash price of branded analog insulin products, which translates to a savings of up to $101 per branded vial or $251 per package of branded FlexPens®.
The new private label ReliOn™ NovoLog® Insulin (insulin aspart) injection, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, is available in Walmart pharmacies this week, and Sam’s Club pharmacies in mid-July across the United States. ReliOn™ NovoLog® is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. Customers will need a prescription in order to purchase the products and should always consult with their doctor regarding their diabetes management.
“We know many people with diabetes struggle to manage the financial burden of this condition, and we are focused on helping by providing affordable solutions. We also know this is a condition that disproportionately impacts underserved populations. With ReliOn NovoLog® insulin, we’re adding a high-quality medication for diabetes to the already affordable ReliOn line of products and continuing our commitment to improve access and lowering cost of care,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, executive vice president, Walmart Health & Wellness.
Walmart is a destination for affordable diabetes resources, including blood glucose monitors, lancets and other diabetes management essentials in the ReliOn portfolio. Notably, the retailer’s suite of affordable diabetes products offers customers choices when it comes to their diabetes management; however, every patient is unique and may respond differently to treatment, so the ultimate treatment decision should be based on their health care provider’s recommendation.
“Diabetes often comes with high medical costs, estimated around $9,601 per person per year. We welcome all affordable solutions that make diabetes management more accessible to millions of Americans living with diabetes. We encourage everyone to ask their health care provider questions to better understand what the right and affordable treatment is for their unique medical needs,” said Tracey D. Brown, chief executive officer of the American Diabetes Association.
The ReliOn NovoLog® analog insulin offering adds to Walmart’s history of introducing innovative solutions that increase access to quality, affordable health care resources, including the industry-leading $4 generic prescription program launched more than a decade ago.
For additional information about Walmart’s affordable diabetes resources, visit Walmart.com/diabetes.
1 The out-of-pocket costs patient pay for insulin depends on a variety of factors. These savings have been calculated based on patients purchasing these insulins without prescription drug insurance.
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. Each week, approximately 220 million customers and members visit approximately 10,500 stores and clubs under 48 banners in 24 countries and eCommerce websites. With fiscal year 2021 revenue of $559 billion, Walmart employs 2.2 million associates worldwide. Walmart continues to be a leader in sustainability, corporate philanthropy and employment opportunity. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting corporate.walmart.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/walmart and on Twitter at twitter.
com/walmart.
Indications and Usage
What is NovoLog® (insulin aspart) injection?
- NovoLog® is a man-made insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
Important Safety Information
Do not share your NovoLog® FlexPen®, NovoLog® FlexTouch®, PenFill® cartridge or PenFill® cartridge compatible insulin delivery device with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
Who should not take NovoLog®?
Do not take NovoLog® if:
- your blood sugar is too low (hypoglycemia) or you are allergic to NovoLog® or any of its ingredients.
Before taking NovoLog®, tell your health care provider about all your medical conditions including, if you are:
- pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- taking new prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including supplements.
Talk to your health care provider about how to manage low blood sugar.
How should I take NovoLog®?
What should I avoid while taking NovoLog®?
- Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, until you know how NovoLog® affects you.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that contain alcohol.
What are the possible side effects of NovoLog®?
Serious side effects can lead to death, including:
Low blood sugar. Some signs and symptoms include:
- anxiety, irritability, mood changes, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and headache.
Your insulin dose may need to change because of:
- weight gain or loss, increased stress, illness, or change in diet or level of physical activity.
Other common side effects may include:
- low potassium in your blood, injection site reactions, itching, rash, serious whole body allergic reactions, skin thickening or pits at the injection site, weight gain, and swelling of your hands and feet.
Get emergency medical help if you have:
- trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, sweating, extreme drowsiness, dizziness, or confusion.
Please see Prescribing Information for NovoLog at https://www.novo-pi.com/novolog.pdf
ReliOn NovoLog® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. © 2021 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. June 2021
Everything You Need to Know About Walmart Insulin
The cost of insulin is a serious problem for many people who live with insulin-dependent diabetes in the United States.
That’s why some people turn to Walmart’s ReliOn Insulin and other over-the-counter insulins.
In this article, we’ll discuss what kinds of insulin are available from Walmart’s “ReliOn” brand, what they cost, how they work, and if they are a good option for you.
Update: We have added a list of announcements and new products to the end of this article. Please read the full article before skipping to the end as it’s important to understand the different types of insulin available from Walmart before choosing one.
Table of Contents
Walmart’s ReliOn Insulin
The over-the-counter insulin from Walmart that costs about $25 per vial is limited to two types of insulin:
- Regular (insulin R)
- NPH (insulin N)
You can also get a premixed combination of NPH and Regular called 70-30.
Both of these insulins are what’s called “synthetic human insulin”. It’s different from newer insulins that are called insulin analogs.
Both require a very rigid eating schedule. In the “old days” of type 1 diabetes management, a patient taking Regular and NPH insulin would have to eat a very specific number of carbohydrates every 2 to 3 hours.
If you don’t adhere to a consistent eating schedule and carbohydrate quantity, you will experience recurring severe low blood sugars.
For example, as a child with type 1 diabetes in the 90s, I followed a regimen like this:
- 8 a.m.: 45 grams of carbohydrate
- 10:30 a.m.: 15 grams of carbohydrate
- 12 p.m.: 60 grams of carbohydrate
- 3 p.m.:15 grams of carbohydrate
- 6 p.m.: 60 grams of carbohydrate
- 8:30 p.m.: 15 grams of carbohydrate
Your life is ruled by the clock when you’re taking these types of insulin compared to the flexibility and freedom that comes with today’s insulin options.
Patients who switch to these insulins without guidance from a healthcare professional may be unaware that these insulins do not work in the body like the newer insulin they were likely taking before. This can lead to severe blood sugar fluctuations and be potentially fatal.
Let’s take a closer look at Regular and NPH insulin.
Regular insulin
Regular insulin is also referred to as “short-acting” insulin and is taken several times per day.
It used to be the only option for managing your blood sugar around meals, but compared to today’s “rapid” and “fast” acting insulins, Regular insulin is very slow-working because it stays in your system for a long time, up to 8 hours, and peaks nearly 4 hours after injecting it.
If you don’t eat every 2 to 3 hours while taking multiple daily doses of Regular insulin, you will experience multiple low blood sugars.
More modern insulin is active in your bloodstream within 15 minutes and out of your bloodstream within 4 hours. This means you don’t have to worry about dropping low or feeding that insulin dose after 2 to 3 hours of taking it.
In hospitals, patients will find that when receiving insulin via IV, short-acting insulin is still commonly used based on traditional “sliding scale” insulin dosing protocols.
NPH insulin
NPH insulin is also referred to as “intermediate-acting” insulin. It used to be the only “background” insulin option, but much like Regular insulin, it pales in comparison to today’s other background options.
NPH only stays in your system for anywhere from 10 to 16 hours and has to be taken twice per day in order to cover your 24-hour background insulin needs.
It also takes several hours to become active in your bloodstream, and it peaks at approximately 4 to 6 hours after taking it. Today’s long-acting insulin options — Basalgar, Lantus, Levemir, Tresiba, Toujeo — have generally no peak at all.
The peak in NPH contributes to the rigid eating schedule a person must follow if they’re using these older insulins to manage their blood sugars.
Do you need a prescription?
In short, no, you do not need a prescription to buy Walmart’s Regular or NPH insulin. However, you won’t find it sitting on the counter next to the Tylenol either.
You’ll have to go to a Walmart store and ask a pharmacist for a vial in order to purchase it.
While it’s considered an “over-the-counter” medication now, it’s still managed very carefully by the pharmacy because it needs to be refrigerated and it’s still a high-value medication despite being only $25 per vial.
Is Walmark insulin a good option for you?
Considering that today’s most modern insulin options cost at least $300 per vial, the affordability of Walmart’s insulin is appealing. Unfortunately, the rigid schedule and limitations of these insulins truly make them a “last resort” option.
They are especially challenging for younger children who have unpredictable eating habits and an inevitably lesser understanding of how important it is to eat a specific amount of food at a specific time of day.
These insulins will help you stay alive if you truly cannot afford more modern insulin. If they are the only type of insulin you have access to, then yes, it is a good option for you.
If you can get more modern insulin through your health insurance or one of the many financial assistance programs that exist today, you’d be better off going that route.
Sure, it’s nice that these older insulins are easily accessible but they are not the solution for a long, healthy, full life for a person with diabetes.
They are the last resort.
Latest updates
July 6, 2021 – Walmart today announced that it will begin selling its own private brand, rapid-acting, analog insulin called ReliOn NovoLog. The new insulin is now available in Walmart pharmacies and is expected to also be available in Sam’s Club stores in mid-July. You need a prescription to purchase this insulin.
It will be available in two different forms: either $73 per vial (10 mL each, or 1,000 units) or $86 for a package of five prefilled insulin pens (FlexPens, each with 3 mL, or 300 units).
Walmart’s private label insulin will be manufactured by Novo Nordisk and is similar to Novo Nordisk’s NovoLog brand.
Share Overview Chemically, insulin is a protein that is produced in the beta cells of the pancreas and released into the blood. Insulin has several properties that guide the principles of insulin therapy. Firstly, when taken by mouth, insulin is destroyed in the intestines, in other words, it is digested. Therefore, the main method of administering insulin is subcutaneous injections. Insulin therapy is started after a thorough examination and diagnosis. Competent treatment is possible only with the scrupulous implementation of doctor’s prescriptions. Treatment requires the active participation of the patient. Therefore, before starting treatment, you should understand all the intricacies of the selection of insulin doses, learn the methods of self-control and insulin therapy. Ask your doctor as many questions as you can. The better you understand your disease, the more competent and effective your treatment will be. According to the duration of action, insulins of ultrashort, short and prolonged (prolonged) action are distinguished. The regimen may include one or two injections of long-acting insulin and three to four injections of short-acting insulin before meals. Doses of insulin are selected individually depending on the level of sugar in the blood and the amount of food taken (the number of bread units per serving is calculated). For ease of use, mixed insulins are produced, which contain short-acting and extended-acting insulin. Moreover, such insulins are produced with a different ratio of “short” and “long” parts: from 10/90% to 50/50%. In Russia, there are preparations with different concentrations of insulin in solution: 40 units per 1 ml of the preparation and 100 units per 1 ml of the preparation. When you buy insulin, do not forget to pay attention to this, the use of a drug with a different concentration in the same dose can lead to an overdose or vice versa – to the absence of an effect. Insulin is available in various dosage forms: solution bottles, solution pens, insulin bags. There are no fundamental differences in the results of treatment between an insulin pump and a regimen of insulin administration many times a day using syringes or syringe pens. The decision on the choice of drug is made by the doctor together with the patient. Insulin is injected subcutaneously. Several areas are used for injections: the anterior surface of the abdomen, the anterior outer surface of the thighs, the outer surface of the shoulders, buttocks. It should be remembered that insulin from different areas is absorbed at different rates. For example, the fastest from the abdomen. Insulin injection sites should be changed, but the injection sites should be changed every day, otherwise it may lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Effective insulin therapy is based not only on the correct calculation of insulin doses and accurate administration of the drug. A10A – Insulins and analogues E10 – Diabetes mellitus type 1
Before using any drug, consult a specialist References
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Insulin is the main regulator of carbohydrate metabolism in the human body. In patients with diabetes, there is a decrease in the production of this hormone or its complete absence. The only way to treat such patients is the introduction of insulin from the outside. Before insulin was first isolated from the pancreas of animals and used in the treatment of diabetes, many patients died from the fatal complications of the disease, such as diabetic coma. The first insulin preparations were obtained from the pancreas of pigs and cattle. In recent years, human insulin preparations, which are obtained by genetic engineering, have been mainly used. The advantage of human insulin is that the body does not perceive it as a foreign substance.
The second feature of insulin is the presence of daily fluctuations in its concentration in human blood. There is a constant, basal level of insulin and concentration peaks associated with an increase in blood glucose after a meal. With insulin therapy, it is necessary not only to ensure this basal level, but also to mimic physiological concentration peaks with additional injections of insulin before meals.
The differences are in the time of onset of action, peak activity and duration of action.
Self-control methods are the key to successful treatment. To teach patients the basics of treatment and self-control, there are special schools of diabetes. For any questions that arise during your treatment, please contact your doctor.
02.11
for resorption: 100 pcs.
: 30 pcs.
..Insulins on the cheap online: saving at the cost of life
The problem of the quality and legitimacy of medicines sold online does not exist only in Ukraine – it is global. Moreover, some classes of drugs are at risk due to the frequency of counterfeiting and vulnerability to spoilage.
The problem of the quality and legitimacy of medicines sold online does not exist only in Ukraine or in the post-Soviet space – it is global. Moreover, some classes of drugs (as well as patients who need them) are at risk due to the frequency of counterfeiting and vulnerability to spoilage.
Hundreds of illegal online ads selling insulin to Western patients “cheaply”. A recent publication in JAMA Internal Medicine found that analog insulins are the most advertised prescription drugs on Craigslist (a popular online message board in the United States).
Interview: “Insulins cheap online over the Internet – at the cost of life”
The unregulated sale and purchase of prescription drugs is prohibited by law, and the US is no exception. But a recent study found that this does not interfere with “electronic pharma” – more than 300 ads were published in a 12-day period relating to the sale of insulin preparations over the Internet alone.
The author of this paper, Dr. Jennifer Goldstein of ChristianaCare Hospitalist Partners, told the medical resource Healio,
- what is the growth driver of illegal sales of insulin on the Internet,
- as well as hazards to patients who are direct users of these products.
What motivated you and your colleagues to investigate cases of illegal sale of insulin on the Internet?
As a physician, I care for many patients with insulin dependent diabetes who are unable to afford insulin therapy.
In one blog, I read the story of a patient who bought insulin on Craigslist. In addition, many people on social media recommended Craigslist to find cheap insulin. My colleagues and I decided to look into this by analyzing Craigslist ads posted over a 12-day period (June 12-24) in the United States.
Insulin preparations are one of the most popular pharmaceutical products. And one of the most critical. So we focused on US ads selling three life-saving drugs: insulins, albuterol, and epinephrine/epinephrine (EpiPen).
What did you find and were you surprised by the results?
The resource is full of hundreds of advertisements about insulin – 432 of them about insulin and albuterol, representing 240 cities in 31 states. The most popular ads we found were for the more expensive type of insulin, analogue insulin, which together represented 75.7% of all insulin ads. Analogue insulins are the most commonly used insulins and have also risen in price dramatically over the past decade.
Common brands are Lantus, Humalog and Novolog. I was surprised to see that they are being sold online for a fraction of their retail price. The price per vial of analog and human synthetic insulin was $372.30 lower and $123.19 lower.dollars, respectively. We found a few ads for albuterol, but overall the prices were higher than the list price, which also surprised me.
Have you tried to contact sellers on Craigslist?
We decided not to contact sellers directly, but instead did a thematic analysis of texts from sellers. We found that many sellers emphasized their altruistic aspirations, that is, they wrote that they would like to help other patients. Others did not hide financial motives. Some reported selling insulin online to cover other types of insulin co-payments or to cover basic expenses.
What are the dangers of buying unregulated insulins online?
The main danger for the consumer is that he never knows what he is getting. Some advertised insulins that had already been used before.
Some were selling bottles that were already open. Vials were also sold that were clearly not stored at the proper temperature. All these factors increase the risk of deterioration and contamination of products, which can directly harm the health of people using them. Insulin is a very sensitive biological substance, especially to extreme temperatures. Heat/cold affects its therapeutic potential, and when buying such a drug online via the Internet, there is no guarantee that the drug is safe and effective.
What was the reaction to the results of this study after they were published?
People are shocked. Personally, I’m shocked too. When I first started studying this topic, I read blogs from people with diabetes because I was curious about what these patients were going through. I’m a big believer in affordable drugs and have done research on the use of over the counter insulin, but I was shocked nonetheless. When I first typed the word “insulin” into Craigslist and saw the results, I felt nauseous.