PAD News

Levemir® (insulin detemir) FlexPen® 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens and Levemir® Penfill® 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml cartridges are being discontinued; with stock anticipated to be exhausted by December 2026. A Medicines Supply Notification (MSN) has been issued to support clinicians in switching patients currently prescribed Levemir to alternative insulins.  Please see below key points:

• Paediatric patients: the switch will be undertaken by the patient’s specialist team in the Acute Trust at their annual review
• Adult patients: the switch will be undertaken by the GP practice and given the time until discontinuation it is advised that this undertaken as part of the patient’s annual review.  The preferred alternative insulins are listed below:

 i.      First line Insulin Glargine U100: Semglee (pre-filled pens).  Note: please prescribe insulin glargine by brand.  Semglee is the preferred brand for patients who require a pre-filled pen. Semglee is NOT available as cartridges for use in re-usable insulin pens.  Semglee is currently approximately 15% cheaper than Lantus / Abasaglar

 ii.      Second line Insulin Glargine U100: Lantus (solostar / cartridges) or Abasaglar (kwikpen / cartridges). Note: please prescribe insulin glargine by brand.  Lantus or Abasaglar should be used for patients with a re-usable insulin pen.