PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
ED  - ,
TI  - Insulin preparations - time to rationalise
AID  - 10.1136/dtb.1996.34211
DP  - 1996 Feb 01
TA  - Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin
PG  - 11--14
VI  - 34
IP  - 2
4099  - http://dtb.bmj.com/content/34/2/11.short
4100  - http://dtb.bmj.com/content/34/2/11.full
SO  - Drug Ther Bull1996 Feb 01; 34
AB  - Relevant BNF section: 6.1.1Thirty different insulin formulations are marketed in the UK. They vary in their species of origin, speed of onset, peak action and duration of effect. Most of the preparations can be administered using a standard syringe; some can also be given using a reusable 'pen' with a cartridge or a 'pen' which is pre-loaded and disposable. This situation makes selection difficult, especially as it is often not easy to discern any clinically important distinctions between the alternatives. Here we review the products available and consider whether there is scope for reducing the range.