6.3.2.3 Insulins, long-acting

All insulins should be prescribed by brand

Please see Kent and Medway Guidance of Biosimilar Insulin Prescribing here.

Please see Kent and Medway Guidance on Safe Insulin Prescribing here.

*SUPPLY ISSUE: A Medicine Supply Notification (MSN) was issued on the 24th May 2023 on the shortage of Tresiba® (insulin degludec) FlexTouch® 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens. This has since been deescalated from a tier 3 to a tier 2 in September 2024. The shortage started on 1st August 2023, and on 2nd December 2024 the anticipated resupply date has been updated to 2nd January 2026.

Please see the SPS medicines supply tool (free subscription required) for further information, actions and advice on alternatives and the current anticipated re-supply date.

Please do not initiate new patients on Tresiba® (insulin degludec) FlexTouch® 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens for the duration of the shortage.

**A National Patient Safety Alert (NPSA) was issued on the 8th of December 2023 about the "Potential for inappropriate dosing of insulin when switching insulin degludec (Tresiba®) products". Please refer to the NPSA for further information on the identified safety issue, clinical information and actions required.**

All strengths of Suliqua® (insulin glargine + lixisenatide) are being discontinued in March 2025 (100units/ml /33micrograms/ml and 100units/ml /50micrograms/ml solution for injection pre-filled SoloStar pens). Please see here on the SPS Medicines Supply Tool for more information and actions.

The Levemir® (insulin detemir) range will be discontinued at the end of 2026. Further information will be communicated following the publication of National advice in a Medicines Supply Notification, providing guidance for prescribers on what alternatives will be available and recommended.