We are aware of reports regarding supply issues of insulin in the UK. Some of these reports are of insulins that are being discontinued and some are where there is a temporary shortage. Here’s the latest information on how your treatment may be impacted.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is aware that three insulin products by Novo Nordisk will be discontinued:
- NovoRapid FlexTouch
- Insulatard Penfill
- Levemir
The DHSC has given advice to NHS healthcare professionals regarding NovoRapid FlexTouch and Insulatard Penfill (cartridges), providing comprehensive management guidance to allow them to support people affected.
The DHSC is also working with NHS England and clinical experts to develop management advice for healthcare professionals on the discontinuation of Levemir in December 2026.
NovoRapid FlexTouch pens
In January 2025 the DHSC issued an updated Medicine Supply Notification for Novo Nordisk’s NovoRapid FlexTouch 100units/ml 3ml pre-filled pens, which are being discontinued.
The NovoRapid FlexTouch pens are currently out of stock and will be discontinued in March 2025.
If you are currently still using NovoRapid FlexTouch pens you should make an appointment to see your diabetes team so you can be switched to a different insulin or injection pen device. We have advice below on changing to a new insulin pen device.
As an alternative to NovoRapid FlexTouch 3ml prefilled pens, healthcare professionals have been advised that both NovoRapid FlexPen 100units/ml 3ml pre-filled pens and NovoRapid Penfill 100unit/ml 3ml cartridges remain available and can support the full increase in demand.
There is also an alternative insulin (known as a biosimilar insulin) to NovoRapid called Trurapi which is made by the manufacturer Sanofi. Trurapi SoloStar 100units/ml 3ml pre-filled pens and Trurapi 100unit/ml 3ml Penfill (cartridges) are also available and can support an increase in demand.
Trurapi 100units/ml 3ml penfills are compatible with the AllStar Pro and JuniorSTAR refillable pens.
Insulatard Penfill
In December 2024, the DHSC issued a Medicine Supply Notification for Novo Nordisk’s Insulatard Penfill 100units/ml 3ml cartridges which are being discontinued. It is anticipated there will be no stock by June 2025.
As an alternative to Insulatard 3ml Penfill, healthcare professionals have been advised that Humulin I KwikPen 100units/ml in 3ml pre-filled pens are available and can support the full increase in demand from April 2025.
Humulin I 100units/ml 3ml Penfill are also available but can’t support an increase in demand. This means that people who have been used to using a reusable pen with Penfill may need to change to using pre-filled disposable pens instead.
We have advice below on changing to a new insulin pen device. If you have any concerns after starting your new pen speak to your diabetes team or GP.
Levemir
Novo Nordisk is also planning to discontinue the Levemir insulin range, but not until the end of 2026.
At this stage, we do not have any further information because the DHSC is working with NHS England and clinical experts to plan for this discontinuation.
They will be producing a Medicines Supply Notification, providing guidance for prescribers on what alternatives will be available and recommended. We will update this page when further information is available.
Until this guidance has been produced, people are being asked not to make extra appointments to be switched from Levemir to an alternative insulin. This is to make sure that the discontinuation in 2026 doesn’t affect the supply of other insulins now.
InnoLet devices
In March 2024, the DHSC issued a Medicine Supply Notification for Novo Nordisk’s InnoLet 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml.
These pre-filled disposable devices have now been discontinued. This discontinuation applies to both Insulatard Innolet and Levemir Innolet devices.
As an alternative to Insulatard Innolet pre-filled pens, healthcare professionals have been advised that Humulin I KwikPen 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml pre-filled pens remain available and can support increased demand. We have advice below on changing to a new insulin pen device.
Are there other issues with insulin supplies?
Fiasp FlexTouch
There are no shortages of Fiasp insulin, but it is expected that a shortage of the Fiasp FlexTouch 100units/ml pre-filled insulin pen will last until January 2026.
Novo Nordisk manufactures Fiasp in 100units/ml Penfill (cartridges), which remain available. Your healthcare team might give you the option of continuing to use this insulin in Penfill (cartridge) form. We have advice below on changing to a new insulin pen device.
Tresiba FlexTouch
Similarly to the situation with Fiasp, there are no issues with availability of Tresiba insulin, but there have been supply issues with the Tresiba FlexTouch 100units/ml pre-filled pens.
The Department of Health and Social Care expects Tresiba FlexTouch 100units/ml pens to be out of stock in the UK until January 2026.
Your healthcare team might give you the option of continuing to use Tresiba insulin in Penfill (cartridge) form.
Changing to a new insulin pen device
If you are being switched to another injection pen you have not used before, make sure your healthcare professional has shown you the new pen and you know how to use it. Ask your healthcare professional to check your prescription so you have all the equipment you need to start using your new pen.
They should also discuss with you what insulin doses you should be taking and ask you to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely when you make this change.
If you have any concerns after starting your new pen speak to your diabetes team or GP.
Humalog and Humulin
In 2024 there were some short-term disruptions to the supply of Humalog and Humulin vials.
This only applied to the Humalog and Humulin insulin in vials only – pre-filled pens and cartridges were not affected.
The affected vials were Humalog 100units/ml vials, Humulin M3 100units/ml vials and Humulin S 100units/ml vials, but this issue has been resolved and there is no longer any anticipated interruption to the supply of these insulins.
“Anyone still experiencing difficulty in getting their prescription filled should contact their doctor,” said a spokesperson for Eli Lilly - the manufacturers of these insulins.
More information and support
Douglas Twenefour, Head of Care at Diabetes UK, said:
“We know it can be unsettling if people have to change how they manage their diabetes. With this in mind, we’re asking healthcare professionals to take into account the circumstances and needs of anyone affected. This should include a discussion to ensure they can continue to manage their treatment, and should include a prescription for any new device they need.”
There have also been shortages of GLP-1 agonists in the UK. You can read more about our response to these supply issues.
If you have any further concerns or questions over your insulin treatment, contact the Diabetes UK helpline either by email at helpline@diabetes.org.uk, or call us on 0345 123 2399
Further information for healthcare professionals
- DHSC and NHS England have an online Medicines Supply Tool, which provides up-to-date information about medicine supply issues. The contents of Medicine Supply Notifications can be viewed on the Tool.
- The Tool also details any changes to resupply dates and updates to the entries.
- To access the Tool you will need an NHS email address. Once set up and logged in, you will be able to access it online.
