Insulins - Rapid acting
There should be no new initiations for the following insulins as they are due to be discontinued by the manufacturer(s) (dates advised below):
Admelog® - March 2026
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.
Rapid acting insulin analoges
FIASP is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
Ultra-rapid action formulation
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
FIASP is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
Ultra-rapid action formulation
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
FIASP is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
Ultra-rapid action formulation
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
Biosimilar insulins are the preferred/first line for routine new initiations where appropriate
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
Biosimilar insulins are the preferred/first line for routine new initiations where appropriate
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Biosimilar insulins are the preferred/first line for routine new initiations where appropriate
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
To avoid confusion, it is advisable to prescribe insulin by brand name.
See individual entries for prescribing status.
Rapid acting insulin analoges
Apridra is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
GREEN - Coastal West Sussex.
PURPLE - Brighton & Hove and Crawley, Horsham & Mid-Sussex.
NOT COMMISSIONED - East Sussex.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
Apridra is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
GREEN - Coastal West Sussex.
PURPLE - Brighton & Hove and Crawley, Horsham & Mid-Sussex.
NOT COMMISSIONED - East Sussex.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Apridra is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
GREEN - Coastal West Sussex.
PURPLE - Brighton & Hove and Crawley, Horsham & Mid-Sussex.
NOT COMMISSIONED - East Sussex.
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
Unlicensed.
| Pack |
|---|
| 2 pre-filled disposable injection |
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Short acting soluble insulin
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
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.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
To avoid confusion, it is advisable to prescribe insulin by brand name.
See individual entries for prescribing status.
Rapid acting insulin analoges
Biosimilar insulins are the preferred/first line for routine new initiations where appropriate
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
Biosimilar insulins are the preferred/first line for routine new initiations where appropriate
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
Biosimilar insulins are the preferred/first line for routine new initiations where appropriate
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Humalog is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
Humalog is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Please note: Kwikpen device is available in two strengths, 100units/ml and 200units/ml.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Humalog is a branded option commissioned for prescribing.
Please note: Kwikpen device is available in two strengths, 100units/ml and 200units/ml.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Lyumjev® is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
| Pack |
|---|
| 1 vial |
Lyumjev® is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 cartridge |
Lyumjev® is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Lyumjev® is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
Please note: Kwikpen device is available in two strengths, 100units/ml and 200units/ml.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |
Lyumjev® is a branded option commissioned for prescribing
Please note: Kwikpen device is available in two strengths, 100units/ml and 200units/ml.
| Pack |
|---|
| 5 pre-filled disposable injection |