The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised of a current shortage of Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens. The shortage is expected to continue until mid-next year.

To help manage the shortage, pharmacists can give people living with diabetes Ryzodeg 70/30 Penfill cartridges instead of Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch prefilled pens under certain conditions. Both products contain the same medicine, at the same strength, have the same storage requirements, and are administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). However, the device used to administer the medicine is different.

If you have been prescribed Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens, it’s important to speak with your pharmacist, doctor, diabetes educator or nurse who can explain to you the differences between FlexTouch prefilled pens and Penfill cartridges, how to administer them, and provide you a new delivery device (a NovoPen) for free.

The TGA website provides additional information about the shortage and guidance for users of Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens.