Novo Nordisk has advised that it will discontinue the Protaphane InnoLet human insulin (rys) 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge on February 1, 2025. The device is used particularly among the elderly because it’s easy to use and women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Novo Nordisk is advising people to substitute Protaphane Penfill human insulin 100 IU/mL (ARTG 169635) or Humulin NPH biosynthetic human isophane insulin 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge (ARTG 39662).

Between now and February 1, the Therapeutic Goods Administration is advising pharmacists to use a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) to dispense the Protaphane Penfill human insulin (rys) 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge without the need for a new prescription. These penfills will need a new insulin delivery device and those using it will need to know how to insert cartridges and use the new pen safely and accurately.

People living with diabetes who will be affected by the discontinuation are advised to ask their health professionals about changing over to the suggested replacements as soon as possible.

Diabetes Australia has raised concerns about the discontinuation, including access to the replacement device.

While information for pharmacists and healthcare professionals has now been released about the replacement, not all prescribers and pharmacists will see this information in a timely manner. Concerns have also been raised about the cost of the extra time or appointments that people living with diabetes may need with their GPs, educators or endocrinologists to obtain new scripts or device instructions.

Diabetes Australia is seeking assurances that there will be enough replacement devices available when required; that there will be no cost to people living with diabetes; and that the substitute devices will be available across Australia including in regional, rural, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Diabetes Australia will continue its advocacy on behalf of the estimated 30,000 people using Innolet and update the community as information becomes available.

Further information is available from the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.