OPTIONS IF YOUR  DIABETES IS UNSTABLE ON SYNTHETIC INSULIN AND YOU LIVE IN AUSTRALIA

If you are unstable on synthetic insulin, having adverse effects or cannot sense an approaching hypoglycaemic low, this is a dangerous situation!  You may rely heavily upon people around you, or run your blood sugar levels unacceptably higher than normal target levels to avoid lows . 
If you live alone, the quicker you act with resolve the safer you will be.  Many doctors will not think to offer Hypurin beef or pork insulin despite your dire situation!

1. Consider what insulin you would prefer to use.
   Hypurin Bovine (derived from the pancreas of beef cattle) is the cheapest option as it is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 
   Hypurin Neutral (bovine) is fast acting, short duration
   Hypurin Isophane  (bovine) is slow acting, long duration
   
   Hypurin Porcine (derived from the pancreas of pigs) is not available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), but is available in Australia from Aspen Pharmacare through the Special Access Scheme (SAS). It is considerably more expensive as there is no government subsidy.
   Hypurin Neutral (porcine) is fast acting, short duration
   Hypurin Isophane  (porcine) is slow acting, long duration
   
   
2. You may decide to try the cheaper bovine option first, so urgently consult your doctor and advise him (or her) of your decision and ask for a prescription and guidance on its use.
   (You may be advised by your doctor that the modern synthetic insulin is better suited to humans, but there is no credible scientific evidence to support this claim!  You may need to be assertive to have your wishes heeded.  Some people can thrive on synthetic insulin, but some can't!). 
   Take your prescription to any Australian Pharmacy and the Hypurin Bovine insulin should be supplied to them within 24 hours (unless the pharmacy is in a remote area) as it will probably not be in stock.
   
3. If you decide upon Hypurin porcine insulin you will need to get your doctor to apply for supply approval under the Special Access Scheme (SAS).  Once approval is received, you will need to fill out the appropriate order form indicating how many vials you will require, then FAX or post it to Aspen Pharmacare.
   Aspen should have the insulin in stock in Australia and will then send it to your doctor for you to pick up.  You should be able to pay the invoice via credit card or other acceptable method.
   

The Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust can only advise you of your options for treatment and cannot give medical advice.  Your treatment is in your own hands and those of a doctor or specialist.

LOCAL LINKS

Introduction to IDDT-Australia
IDDT Australia - Agenda
IDDT Australia News - 7 July 2009 Insulin Analogues and Cancer (more investigation needed)
THE GM INJECTION - Special report from Jo-Ann Goodwin (UK Daily Mail August 2002)
IDDT Australia - Australian Government Indifference!
Availability of animal insulins
Obtaining natural insulins in Australia - updated 14 March 2007
Options if your diabetes is unstable on synthetic insulin and you live in Australia (THIS PAGE)
Press cuttings & extracts from The Diabetes Australia magazine CONQUEST
Event Reports (dangers highlighted)
Patient experiences
Action Corner
Putting the situation into perspective
Introducing IDDT - PDF file
Diabetes Internet Resources

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The following graphics show the range of insulins made by Wockhardt (UK) and marketed in Australia by Aspen Pharmacare, and the approximate response times and duration of activity.

Note:

Hypurin Bovine Neutral and Hypurin Bovine Isophane insulins in 10ml vials are available in Australia through your chemist on the National Pharmaceuticals Scheme by doctor's prescription.   It will cost a normal prescription charge for 5 vials.

WOCKHARDT (ASPEN PHARMACARE) BEEF (BOVINE) INSULINS
Hypurin Bovine Neutral	Short acting in 10ml vials, 1.5ml & 3ml cartridges	10ml vials available Australia
Hypurin Bovine Isophane	Intermediate acting in 10ml vials 3ml cartridges	10ml vials available Australia
Hypurin Bovine Protamine Zinc (PZI)	Long acting in 10ml vials	Not available Australia
Hypurin Bovine Lente	Long acting in 10ml vials	Not available Australia
WOCKHARDT PORK (PORCINE) INSULINS
Hypurin Porcine Neutral	Short acting in 10ml vials & 3ml cartridges	10ml vials & 3ml cartridges available Australia via SAS
Hypurin Porcine Isophane	Intermediate acting in 10ml vials & 3ml cartridges	10ml vials & 3ml cartridges available Australia via SAS
Hypurin Porcine 30/70 mix	Mixture of 30% Neutral + 70% Isophane in 10ml vials & 3ml cartridges	Not available Australia

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Web publishing by Ian Kershaw - also a victim of "human" insulin
Copyright © IDDT - Australia
7 July 2009