does insulin have to be prescribed by a doctor?

Question

or can i get it without a prescription

Answer 1

Depending on what kind of insulin you want you may be able to get it without a prescription. Some of the older ones like Regular and NPH are sold over the counter. The newer analogs require a prescription.

Answer 2

It depends.

It depends on where you live, the state laws regarding the purchase of insulin, the type of insulin and pharmacy regulations.

I know for a fact that in Georgia (where I used to live) does NOT require a prescription for Humilin NPH or R but DOES require a script for Humalog. Also, a script is NOT needed for Novolin but IS for Novolog. A script is required for Lantus.
I have bought insulin over the counter there many times without a prescription. I did not even need a script for the syringes ( of course, this was before I got my pump).

See? It just depends.

Also, insulin is not considered a controlled substance. It's a hormone...not a drug.

Even if you can get insulin without a prescription, I would advise you to have one. Insulin can be expensive and if you have insurance, you would be covered for it and only pay a copay. Without a prescription, you would have to pay full price and a month's worth can end up costing several hundred dollars.

Decide for yourself. First, contact a pharmacy and ask. If you do need one where you are, then you have answered your own question.

EMT

Answer 3

2

Answer 4

with an accidentally damaged pancreas you were expected to lose all pancreatic function, but haven't or haven't yet. When your pancreatic damage gets so bad that it doesn't function any more, then exercise won't have that much effect on it, but will still have quite a lot to do with how you feel. Most type 1 people have NO pancreatic function after the honeymoon stage so must use insulin. Type 2 people are all told to exercise and eat low carb food plan or rather "exercise and watch the sugar". We can get by for a lot of years before we get put on insulin along with the oral meds/exercise/diet plan. And remember this: We are all very unique individuals and meds, exercise and diet are unique to each of us. No two of us are alike and what works for one may not and probably won't work for another. .

Answer 5

It should be prescribed by a doctor. You cannot get it without a prescription because it isn't over the counter. If you are diabetic and you need it, then it's best to contact a physician. Insulin can cause damage if used excessively by someone who isn't a diabetic, in fact it is deadly if used otherwise.

Answer 6

With the newer types of insulin these days, diabetic diets aren't necessarily as restrictive as they used to be. Read here https://tr.im/osULk
As with any medicine or diet change, you should discuss it with your doctor. Fruits, both fresh and dried, have a natural sugar in them that will raise blood sugar levels, so be careful about eating too much. Not sure about the nuts. Moderation is always the key. I've been diabetic for 18 years and just recently changed insulin types. I love it because it gives me more freedom in when and what I eat.

Answer 7

In many states, insulin is NOT "Rx only". I didn't even need an Rx from our vet to get it for a diabetic dog.

On the other hand, you DO need a doctor to tell you what kind to get, how much to take, etc.

Answer 8

It is prescription only because there are a dozen kinds and your doctor has to determine which one will work best for you and your condition.

Answer 9

Regular and NPH insulin is OTC in the U.S. It's rarely sold that way, but the drug is OTC.

Answer 10

Prescription only. It can be deadly in the wrong hands.