From 1st July 2020, Lantus® products will no longer be available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Lantus® contains insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin analogue that is indicated for the management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is presented as pre-filled pens (Lantus® SoloStar®) and cartridges (Lantus®).
Insulin glargine 100 units/mL will remain on the PBS in the form of Optisulin® and Semglee®. Optisulin® is the same formulation as Lantus® and is available in the same presentation and devices, i.e. the SoloStar® pre-filled pen device, and cartridges for use in the AllStar Pro® or JuniorStar® reusable pens. Semglee® is a biosimilar of Lantus® and is only available in a pre-filled disposable pen device.
Dose adjustments are not required when switching from Lantus® to Optisulin®. Patients should continue to administer their dose at the same time of day and monitor their blood glucose levels as directed by their healthcare professional.
An overview of insulin glargine products available on the PBS from 1st July 2020 is shown in the table below.
| Optisulin® | Semglee® | Toujeo® | |
| Strength | 100units/mL | 100units/mL | 300units/mL |
| Form | 3mL cartridges
3mL pre-filled pen |
3mL pre-filled pen | 1.5mL pre-filled pen |
| Formulation compared to Lantus® | Identical formulation | Biosimilar | N/A |
| Equivalence with Lantus® for the purposes of PBS substitution | Equivalent
(pre-filled pens ‘a’ flagged, cartridges ‘b’ flagged) |
Equivalent
(pre-filled pens ‘a’ flagged) |
N/A |
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