title: [Switzerland changes from U-40 to U-100 insulin].
abstract: At present over 95% of the insulin used in Switzerland is sold in a concentration of 40 units per ml (U-40 insulin). Only recently a small but increasing amount of more concentrated insulin has been introduced through the use of "pen" injectors which are all designed for U-100 (= 100 units per ml) insulin. Experience in other countries has shown that when different insulin concentrations are available on the market the risk of dosage errors with potentially severe consequences is high. The Swiss Diabetes Association has therefore taken the initiative in standardizing the concentrations available in Switzerland. A change from U-40 and U-100 to exclusively U-100 insulin is planned for the period from October 1988 to March 1989. A survey among 82 Swiss doctors and 243 IDDM patients has shown that about 60% of doctors and patients are in favour of the change while the remaining 40% are either neutral or opposed to it. Advantages, disadvantages and logistic problems of the change to exclusive use of U-100 insulin, and the possibility of pharmacological differences between insulins of different concentrations, are discussed. It is stressed that the change to U-100 must be medically supervised in every patient. An intensive information campaign providing detailed advice for patients, doctors and pharmacists is essential for the prevention of accidents.
mesh_terms: D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000592:standards*; D008508:Medication Errors; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D013557:Switzerland
chemical_list: D004304:Dosage Forms; D007328:Insulin
vernacular_title: Die Schweiz wechselt von U-40 zu U-100-Insulin.