Insulin Administration: Pen vs Vial – Similar, but Not Interchangeable Hana Camarillo, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES | September 27, 2023

Insulin Administration: Pen vs Vial – Similar, but Not Interchangeable Hana Camarillo, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES | September 27, 2023 https://psnet.ahrq.gov/web-mm/insulin-administration-pen-vs-vial-similar-not-interchangeable In this WebM&M Case a 14-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus without ketoacidosis. Before discharge, medications intended for home use were delivered to the patient’s bedside, but the resident physician noticed a discrepancy. An insulin pen and pen needles had been ordered, but an insulin vial and extra insulin syringes were delivered. Neither the patient nor the parents had received education on how to draw up and administer insulin using a vial and syringe. The pharmacy staff reported that the insulin pen was out of stock, so the insulin vial was substituted because it contained the same active ingredient. The insulin product switch was declined, and another pharmacy was contacted to provide the insulin pen, which was delivered to the patient’s bedside the following day. The commentary summarizes the patient safety risks associated with drug shortages, drug interoperability standards, and the importance of clear communication between members of the care team if alternative therapies need to be considered.