Insulin needles available on prescription to rise

28 February 2005

Number of insulin needles available on prescription to rise

People with diabetes will notice a change for the better when they pick up their subsidised needles and syringes after 1 March 2005.

Under the changes, the number of insulin syringes and needles available on prescription will increase to 100. Currently people with diabetes can obtain 50 insulin syringes per prescription, and 30 pen needles per prescription.

PHARMAC Medical Director Dr Peter Moodie says the move is a positive one for people with diabetes. . “Increasing the number of needles and syringes available on prescription will mean people will have to reuse needles less often. The changes will mean people will have at least one needle and syringe per day.”

PHARMAC has also approved funding for a 6mm pen needle for children with diabetes, which could help reduce the discomfort for children needing regular insulin injections.

The increase in needles, and the listing of the new 6mm needle, come into effect from 1 March.

ENDS

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