Appendix C: Start Now: U-500 Regular Insulin Project
- Scope: Develop guidelines for injectable U-500 insulin to reduce ADE preventable harm. U-500 insulin is an
uncommon concentration, which if given with syringes designed for U-100 insulin can cause serious harm.
- Preventable Harm: Risk potential and risk severity are both high
- Resources: Pharmacist(s) and nurse(s)
- Deliverable Goals:
- Develop standard High Alert or High Hazard Medication or restrictions for U-500 insulin at all hospitals to
prevent improper dosing and harm secondary to hypoglycemia.
- Develop policy that will safeguard or restrict the use of U-500 to specialists and special circumstances
- Hospitals that do not have the drug on formulary have not addressed patients using drug from home;
- Hospitals feel drug not on formulary will protect them from ADEs (Non-formulary does not equal no-risk
of ADE)