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Insulin needle reuse — GPhC CRA MCQ

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HardEndocrine TherapeuticsInsulin needle reuseGPhC CRA

A patient has repeatedly injected insulin into a firm abdominal lump. After changing to unaffected tissue, glucose begins falling more rapidly than expected. Which immediate plan best reflects MHRA advice?

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Correct answer: D — Monitor glucose closely and arrange individual dose review

Insulin may be absorbed poorly or unpredictably from a lumpy injection area. A sudden move to unaffected tissue can increase effective absorption and cause hypoglycaemia. MHRA advice is to monitor glucose carefully after changing site and consider individual dose adjustment. The patient should avoid affected areas and rotate future injections systematically; returning to the lump or making an automatic dose change is unsafe.

Reference: MHRA Drug Safety Update, Insulins—risk of cutaneous amyloidosis at injection site: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/insulins-all-types-risk-of-cutaneous-amyloidosis-at-injection-site