Important update: Levemir (insulin detemir) discontinuation – risk of early stock depletion

Important update: Levemir (insulin detemir) discontinuation – risk of early stock depletion

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. This discontinuation is not related to safety concerns.

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 advice on our local guidance note.

The NEL approach

The NEL Levemir Discontinuation Task and Finish Group, in consultation with the NEL Diabetes Improvement Network have agreed the following approach:

Acute and Specialist community diabetes teams will review all patients currently on their caseload prescribed Levemir, as part of their routine diabetes reviews, including children and young people under paediatric care.

Paediatric and adolescent patients under the care of specialist diabetes teams should continue to be managed in accordance with local specialist pathways, supported by this approach to ensure alignment across NEL.

Switches may also take place in primary care where insulin initiation / ongoing management is being undertaken by:

• Practice diabetes nurses
• GPs with specialist interest
• Pharmacists
• Other suitably experienced clinicians.

Where needed, specialist diabetes teams can be contacted for:

• Case-by-case discussion as part of a Multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT)
• Advice and guidance.

All staff are advised to follow national clinical guidance: Discontinuation of Levemir (insulin detemir): Joint guidance from ABCD and PCDO Society.

Before switching, staff are advised to check theSPS Medicines Supply Tool for the most up-to-date supply information (see table below with supply information correct as of 20 April 2026 which is subject to change).

Further updates on stock availability and resources to support the identification of patients prescribed Levemir and moving to alternative insulins in primary care will be provided shortly.

Immediate Actions

General practice and Primary Care Networks:

• STOP initiating new patients on Levemir FlexPen or Penfill.
• Prioritise review of patients currently prescribed Levemir, in line with national clinical guidance.
• Diversify prescribing across recommended alternative insulins that can support demand.
• Check stock availability 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.

Current alternative insulin availability from brands that can support increased demand (information correct as of 20 April 2026)