The medical device manufacturer Owen Mumford has announced that it will stop producing its Autopen range of insulin delivery pens. Here, we look at what this means for people with diabetes who might be affected.
Which insulins pens will be discontinued?
Owen Mumford will withdraw its Autopen Classic 1 and 2 unit devices, as well as its Autopen 24 1 and 2 unit devices.
The Autopen Classic devices are compatible for use with Lilly and Wockhardt insulin cartridges. The Autopen 24 devices are compatible with Sanofi insulin cartridges. Both pen devices are compatible with all major brands of pen needle.
The discontinuations are not due to any safety or quality-related concerns, and anyone using these pens can continue to use them if you are not experiencing any issues.
When will they be discontinued?
The pens will be discontinued on the following dates:
Autopen Classic 1 unit – March 2025
Autopen Classic 2 unit – March 2025
Autopen 24 1 unit – December 2024
Autopen 24 2 unit – June 2025
Who will be affected by this?
Anyone living with any type of diabetes who is currently using an insulin pen in the Autopen range will be affected.
Many people using an insulin pen will not be affected by this discontinuation as Autopen devices account for roughly 1% of the prescription volumes of insulin pens in the UK.
There is no immediate need for anyone currently using an Autopen to change their device. As specified in the instruction leaflets, the Autopens can be used for up to two years after collection.
What if I use the Autopen 24 1 unit?
The Autopen 24 1 unit pen was discontinued in December 2024, therefore if you use this device you will need to speak with your diabetes healthcare team to discuss a prescription for a new device ready for when your current pen needs replacing.
If your current Autopen is working and accurately delivering insulin you can continue to use it.
Owen Mumford says that the remaining stock of the Autopen 24 1 unit pen is now with wholesalers, and two weeks’ worth of inventory will be stored to allow for prescriptions of the device to be fulfilled into December.
What if I use one of the other Autopens?
With the other Autopens, there is no need for anyone to change their device as stocks are available until 2025, and current regimens do not need to change because of the discontinuation.
But you may want to talk to your diabetes team about using an alternative pen at one of your planned diabetes appointments, so you are prepared for this change.
Alternative treatment options
Owen Mumford will not be providing an alternative insulin pen, but it will honour its standard product manufacturing warranty and offer support for the devices 24 months post-purchase.
Several companies make insulin pens, and for most people different insulin pens are available as suitable alternatives to the products which are being discontinued.
However, there is currently no suitable alternative for people using either of the Autopen Classic pens who take Wockhardt Hypurin porcine insulins in cartridges (Penfills). Wockhardt is working with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) on alternatives and say they remain committed to keeping Hypurin porcine insulin available for people, anticipating a new, compatible pen to be available from Sept/Oct 2025.
Owen Mumford is advising people who use any of the Autopens to speak to your healthcare team about transitioning to a new insulin pen device during your routine appointments.
More information and support on Owen Mumford insulin pen withdrawals
If you have any questions about these insulin pen withdrawals you can speak to your healthcare team, or you can visit Owen Mumford’s website, or contact customerserviceuk@owenmumford.com.
For general enquires about Hypurin Porcine Insulin you can contact Wockhardt on 01978 661261 or email enquiries@wockhardt.co.uk
You can also ring our helpline with any questions or concerns on 0345 123 2399.
