For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on Rezvoglar insulin. 75% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question

Question:

RZ takes 30 units of glargine (Lantus) each night. However, when they went to the pharmacy to pick up their prescription, they received glargine insulin Rezvoglar instead of their usual Lantus.

RZ asks how the pharmacy can give them a different brand of insulin without checking first? After addressing their emotional response, you provide the following, most accurate Information.

Answer Choices:

1. Rezvoglar is the generic version of (glargine) Lantus.
2. Rezvoglar is an interchangeable biosimilar insulin.
3. Rezvoglar can not be switched for glargine (Lantus) without provider approval.
4. Rezvoglar is a rapid acting human biosimilar insulin analog

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Getting to the Best Answer

Answer 1 is incorrect. 12.73% chose this answer, “Rezvoglar is the generic version of (glargine) Lantus.” This is a very tempting answer, but since insulin is a biologic medication, (biologic medications are large, complex molecules, often made from living cells or tissue) the term “generic” is replaced with “biosimilar”. In addition, the better answer below is more accurate, and offers additional information.

Answer 2 is correct. 74.97% of you chose this answer, “Rezvoglar is an interchangeable biosimilar insulin.” YES, GREAT JOB. The FDA just announced that Rezvoglar has also been approved as an interchangeable biosimilar along with Semglee. An “interchangeable biosimilar,” means that pharmacists can substitute a person’s Lantus prescription with these cheaper alternatives without needing to consult the healthcare prescriber.

Answer 3 is incorrect. 9.17% of respondents chose this answer, “Rezvoglar can not be switched for glargine (Lantus) without provider approval.” With recent FDA approval, Rezvoglar is now an “interchangeable biosimilar,” which means that pharmacists can substitute a person’s Lantus prescription with this cheaper alternative without needing to consult the healthcare prescriber.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 3.13% chose this answer, “Rezvoglar is a rapid-acting human biosimilar insulin analog.” Rezvoglar is the biosimilar of basal insulin glargine.

Thank you so much for reading this “Rationale of the Week”.

Newly Approved Biosimilar Interchangeable Basal Insulin – PocketCard Update

Under basal insulin glargine, there are now 3 biosimilars listed; Basaglar, Semglee and Rezvoglar. The FDA just announced that Rezvoglar has also been approved as an interchangeable biosimilar along with Semglee. An “interchangeable biosimilar,” means that pharmacists can substitute a person’s Lantus prescription with these cheaper alternatives without needing to consult the healthcare prescriber.

Get Your Own PocketCard
These updates are now posted on the latest version of our Insulin PocketCards, which are available for FREE download, or on our CDCES Coach App. You can also purchase your very own 2023 laminated version and they make perfect gifts for team members.

 

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Want to learn more about this question? Join us for our

Diabetes Fundamentals 2023 Updates | Level 1
$119 | 9+ CEs

Updates air live between Jan 10, 2023-Jan 26, 2023, at 11:30 am PST

This bundle is specifically designed for healthcare professionals who want to learn more about diabetes fundamentals for their clinical practice or for those who are studying for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) exam.

2023 Webinar Dates

1. January 10, 2023 – Class 1 – Getting to the Nitty Gritty 1.5 CEs
2. January 12, 2023 – Class 2 – Nutrition and Exercise 1.5 CEs
3. January 17, 2023 – Class 3 – Meds Overview for Type 2 – 1.5 CEs
4. January 19, 2023 – Class 4 – Insulin Therapy & Pattern Management 1.5 CEs
5. January 24, 2023 – Class 5 – Goals of Care – 1.5 CEs
6. January 26, 2023 – Class 6 – Hypoglycemia, Sick Days, Monitoring, Foot Care 1.5 CEs

Intended Audience:  This library of critical information is designed for individuals or groups of diabetes specialists, including RNs, RDs, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physician Assistants, and other health care providers interested in staying up to date on current practices of care for people with diabetes and preparing for the CDCES Certification Exam.

 

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