Our Health System is switching from Lantus to Levemir because Lantus price increased by 6800%! In preparing for implementation of the switch, we identified a potential safety issue because the vial of the immediate-acting insulin aspart (Novolog) looks very similar to the vial of the long-acting Levemir (Lantus is a tall and thin vial which helped to differentiate it from the Novolog); both Novolog and Levemir are the same size and shape vial, lettering same font size and color. The only difference once the colored cap is removed is the thin orange or green vertical line down the label, but we have concerns that when in a rush, a nurse may choose the wrong insulin or return the vial to the wrong bin in the refrigerator. Question: For those who use Levemir, do you also use Novolog. If yes, have you had concerns or seen a problem with mix-ups? What have you done to mitigate risk if you have both of these products?

Debbie Vigliotti