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Biosimilar insulin switching — GPhC CRA MCQ

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ModerateEndocrine TherapeuticsBiosimilar insulin switchingGPhC CRA

A 35-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes presents to the pharmacy. She uses insulin glargine (Lantus) 20 units at bedtime and insulin aspart (NovoRapid) with meals. She asks whether she can switch her insulin glargine from Lantus to a biosimilar (Semglee) that her GP has suggested. What is the most appropriate advice?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: E — Biosimilar insulin glargine can be used, but the switch should be done with appropriate clinical oversight and the patient should monitor blood glucose more closely during the transition

Biosimilar insulins such as Semglee have been shown to have similar efficacy and safety profiles to originator insulin glargine. However, any insulin switch requires appropriate clinical oversight, patient education, and enhanced blood glucose monitoring during the transition period. The MHRA and NHS guidance support biosimilar switching as a cost-effective strategy but emphasise it should be a shared decision with the patient and managed with appropriate monitoring.

Reference: BNF; MHRA Biosimilar Guidance; NHS England