Important update: Levemir® (insulin detemir) discontinuation – immediate action required

Important update: Levemir® (insulin detemir) discontinuation – immediate action required

Novo Nordisk® has announced the discontinuation of all Levemir® (insulin detemir) presentations, including Levemir® Penfill® and Levemir® FlexPen®. A recent Medicines Supply Notification highlights that, although UK stock is currently anticipated to last until December 2026, there is an increasing risk of earlier stock depletion, reinforcing the need for timely and coordinated switching activity. There is no direct switch for Levemir® (insulin detemir). Patients will require careful clinical switching, appropriate patient education, and closer blood glucose monitoring when transitioning to alternative basal insulins, in line with advice in our local guidance note.

Immediate actions

General practice and Primary Care Networks

• STOP initiating new patients on Levemir® FlexPen® or Penfill®.
• Run clinical searches to identify all patients currently prescribed Levemir®.
  • Searches are available in both EMIS and SystmOne across NEL practices and are stored under ‘Externally created resources’.
• Prioritise review of patients currently prescribed Levemir® starting with:
  • Patients with Type 1 diabetes
  • Complex patients requiring specialist care
  • Paediatric and adolescent patients (managed via specialist pathways)
• Check whether patients have a routine appointment with their diabetes specialist team scheduled before September 2026.
  • If an appointment is after September 2026 or not scheduled, notify the relevant specialist service (secondary care or community), using the most appropriate route (e.g. Advice & Guidance), to ensure review occurs before September 2026.
• Where appropriately skilled clinicians are available in primary care, prioritise all remaining patients for review in line with national clinical guidance.
• Diversify prescribing across recommended alternative basal insulins to support system-wide demand and reduce pressure on individual products.
• Check stock availability using the SPS Medicines Supply Tooland SPS safety considerations when switching insulin before prescribing.

Community pharmacy teams

If a prescription for Levemir® is received:

• Advise the patient that their GP or diabetes specialist will contact them to discuss an alternative insulin.
• Reassure the patient that they will continue to receive insulin treatment.
• Explain that Levemir® will be discontinued by December 2026.

Next steps and further support

Further updates on stock availability and resources to support with switching to alternative insulins in primary care will continue to be shared.

Current alternative insulin availability from brands that can support increased demand (information correct as of 26 May 2026)