IMPORTANT INFORMATION for people taking Levemir® insulin
Levemir® insulin is being discontinued by December 2026- please read information before your diabetes appointment.
No company will be taking over production so we need to make a plan for your switch to a different insulin.
We would aim to choose an insulin at your next diabetes review
Background
People may refer to Levemir® as their long acting, basal or background insulin. Throughout this document we will refer to it as basal insulin. There are a number of alternative basal insulins, but none are the same as Levemir®. This information will hopefully help with choosing an alternative basal insulin
We will start changing people from autumn 2025 so this process can be completed by December 2026. You do not need to make contact before your next appointment. Your insulin should not be changed without you having a discussion with a diabetes professional (e.g. pharmacist, specialist nurse, diabetes dietitian or doctor.)
You may need to reduce doses when changing insulin. Your individual requirements can be discussed at your appointment.
Lantus®
Lantus ® is an analogue insulin that lasts up to 24 hours. It is licensed to be given once a day. Some people may find it does not last full 24 hours and will move to take it twice a day (this is called “off licence” use).
Who is Lantus® suitable for? | Who is Lantus® not suitable for? |
People with type 1 diabetes who want to take basal insulin once a day | Allergy to Lantus® or glargine insulin |
People with type 1 diabetes who are on similar doses of Levemir® in am and pm | People who want to start basal insulin twice a day |
Lantus® comes as Solostar disposable pen1
Cartridges for use in Allstar Pro refillable pen2