Statement by the Barbados Drug Service on the Availability of Insulin and Change in Protocol on Insulin Pens

There is no shortage of any therapeutic class of insulin on the Barbados National Drug Formulary (BNDF). However, due to supply challenges, there is currently a scarce supply of Humulin 70/30 on island. 

The Ministry of Health and Wellness, through the Barbados Drug Service (BDS), endeavours to provide an uninterrupted supply of quality insulin products for all residents of Barbados at an affordable cost. 

On the Barbados National Drug Formulary (BNDF), as shown in Tables 1. and 2., there are currently thirteen brands of insulin available to all beneficiaries. Patients are advised that in the event they are unable to source Humulin 70/30 they should consult with their physicians regarding the selection of a suitable comparable product.

To ensure the long-term continuous care of all insulin dependent diabetics and the financial viability of the national programme, there has been a policy decision to institute protocol changes in the maximum quantity of insulin pens for which the BDS will cover the cost. 

The Barbados Drug Service will pay for a maximum of two (2) pens per client per month, for each allowed therapeutic class or classes. The protocols for all other insulins remain the same as outlined in Table 2. The change in protocols will not prevent a client from receiving an adequate amount of insulin to treat their condition, as comparable options are available in every therapeutic class of insulin. 

The exceptions to the new protocol are visually impaired persons and persons 18 years of age and under. The BDS will continue to provide a monthly maximum of four (4) Apidra Solostar pens and/or five (5) of the other pens, listed in Table 1., for these two categories of persons filling their prescriptions in the government pharmacies only.

Please reference the tables below.

Table 1. Insulin Pens and Cartridge available on the Barbados National Drug Formulary

Table 1. Insulin Pens and Cartridge available on the Barbados National Drug Formulary

* Facilitated in Government Pharmacies Only

Table 2. Insulin Vials available on the Barbados National Drug Formulary

Table 2. Insulin Vials available on the Barbados National Drug Formulary

The Barbados Drug Service

2024-04-15