Insulins - Intermediate acting combined with rapid acting
There should be no new initiations for the following insulins as they are due to be discontinued by NovoNordisk (dates advised below):
Levemir© Penfill - December 2026
Levemir© FlexPen - December 2026
Insulatard© Isophane - March 2025
NovoRapid© FlexTouch - March 2025
To avoid confusion, it is advisable to prescribe insulin by brand name.
Advantages of generic prescribing are that it is generally more cost-effective, however there are some circumstances in which it is preferable to prescribe by brand name. Broadly, these circumstances are where continuity of the same brand is important due to differences in bioavailability, where training differs between products and for biological medicines.
The intention is to avoid inadvertent switching between preparations where this may have a detrimental effect on patient care.
Patient familiarity with one brand of insulin is important; instructions for use vary between preparations and patient training is required.
GREEN - Only for initiation by prescribers in primary care working under the diabetes care Locally Commissioned Service (LCS) agreement. Please refer to information found on the level of competences page within the type 2 diabetes LCS, and ensure prescribing is in accordance with the LCS documented place in therapy
To avoid confusion, it is advisable to prescribe insulin by brand name.
See individual entries for prescribing status.
Hypurin vials not available for new initiations due to discontinuation:
Hypurin Porcine Neutral discontinuation date: 30 November 2025.
Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix discontinuation date: 31 Jan 2026.
HUMALOG MIX 25 (biphasic insulin lispro) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Contains 25% rapid acting insulin.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
HUMALOG MIX 25 (biphasic insulin lispro) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Contains 25% rapid acting insulin.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
HUMALOG MIX 25 (biphasic insulin lispro) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Contains 25% rapid acting insulin.
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
HUMALOG MIX 50 (biphasic insulin lispro) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Contains 50% rapid acting insulin.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
HUMALOG MIX 50 (biphasic insulin lispro) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Contains 50% rapid acting insulin.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
HUMULIN M3 (biphasic isophane insulin) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Available for primary care clinicians to prescribe in line with national guidance in response to the GLP-1 RAs shortage
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
HUMULIN M3 (biphasic isophane isulin) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Available for primary care clinicians to prescribe in line with national guidance in response to the GLP-1 RAs shortage
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
HUMULIN M3 (biphasic isophane insulin) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Available for primary care clinicians to prescribe in line with national guidance in response to the GLP-1 RAs shortage
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
No new initiations due to discontinuation: 31 January 2026.
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
NOVOMIX 30 (biphasic insulin aspart) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Contains 30% rapid acting insulin.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
NOVOMIX 30 (biphasic insulin aspart) is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Contains 30% rapid acting insulin.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |