Safe Use of Concentrated Insulin: Helping Patients and Providers to Get It Right (Part I of II)- The diabetic population continues to grow in the U.S. and worldwide, in tandem with an epidemic of obesity. As a result, insulin resistance is a growing problem, necessitating insulin doses that exceed 200 units per day. The use of highly concentrated insulin to meet glycemic goals has increased dramatically.
According to the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, extra caution is needed with concentrated insulin, such as U-500. The ISMP points out that safety concerns with U-500 insulin continue to mount, with increasing reports of medication errors that are largely due to dosing confusion in the absence of a U-500 syringe or pen. Additional insulin strengths – U-200 and U-300 – are in development.
Patient education is recognized as the most important aspect of successfully using highly concentrated insulin. Pharmacists must be capable of teaching patients to communicate doses in terms of “syringe units” of U-500 insulin drawn into a U-100 syringe. But first, they must counsel patients to ensure that they understand the difference between U-100 and U-500.
Summarize the history and frequency of medication errors that occur with insulin use, including highly concentrated insulin U-500.
Explain how to calculate doses of U-500 insulin in “syringe units” for administration using a U-100 syringe and clearly instruct patients to convert insulin concentrations.
Discuss the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical properties of concentrated insulin, including U-500 and others in development, and factors for safe administration.
Describe the role of pharmacists in counseling patients who are transitioning from inpatient to outpatient settings, to minimize the risk of insulin-administration errors and hospital readmissions.1.0 Free CEUs for Pharmacists
Expires 5/15/17