- Indication
- Diabetes
- RAG rating
- n/a
- Document type
- Patient information
- Place
- Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
- Output type
- Pharmacy / Prescribing
- Information leaflet
- Needles - Information for patients
Needles Patient Information Leaflet
Needles – Information for Patients
NHS guidance states that some products should not routinely be prescribed. This is because the products are:
- Not as safe as other products OR
- Not as good (effective) as other products OR
- More expensive than other products that do the same thing.
Some needles are included in this.
This document will explain why the changes are happening and where you can get more information and support.
Changes to prescribing of needles for pre-filled and reusable insulin pens
NHS guidance states that needles for insulin pens should be an appropriate length for safety reasons and should represent good value.
Needles that don’t represent good value should no longer be prescribed.
Which needles for insulin pens are affected?
There are many different types of needles
available for pre-filled and reusable insulin pens. They vary greatly in cost,
with no significant difference in how well they work, so it is important not to
waste limited NHS money on insulin needles that are more expensive for no extra
benefit and in some cases may cause harm.
They also vary in length and the 4mm
needles are considered safer as they reduce the risk of the insulin being
injected into the muscle, instead of under the skin.
What options are available instead?
There are lots of alternative needles for pre-filled and reusable insulin pens available on the NHS that represent good value for money.
Your prescriber will talk to you about the different options so that you can come to a joint decision about which needles are best for you and show you how to use a different size needle if you need to switch to shorter ones.
Where can I find more information and support?
- You can speak to your local pharmacist, GP practice team or the person who prescribed the medication to you.
- The Patients Association can also offer support and advice: www.patients-association.org.uk/ or call 0800 345 7115