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What’s everyone planning now that Levemir is going?

Update for anyone on Levemir / NovoRapid – pen & insulin clarity​

I wanted to share an update in case it helps others, as there’s a lot of confusing information going around.

I’m currently on Levemir (basal) and NovoRapid (bolus) and, like many people, I was worried not just about changing insulin but about keeping everything on the same pen system.

Here’s what I’ve now confirmed:

  • Levemir (insulin detemir) is being discontinued, with stock expected to last until end of 2026. There is now/was official clinical guidance (ABCD + PCDO Society, Aug 2025) telling clinicians to begin switching existing patients, not wait until the last minute.
  • NovoRapid is NOT being discontinued as an insulin.
    Only the FlexTouch disposable pen is being phased out. NovoRapid itself continues in Penfill cartridges and other formats.
  • Tresiba (insulin degludec) is a recommended replacement for Levemir and is fully available in Penfill cartridges.

Pen system – this was my main concern​

If, like me, you want to keep one consistent pen type for safety and confidence:

  • Tresiba Penfill + NovoRapid Penfill both work in the same reusable NovoPen devices.
  • NovoPen 6 can deliver up to 60 units in one injection (ideal for basal doses).
  • NovoPen Echo / Echo Plus are capped at 30 units (fine for bolus if doses are smaller, but not for higher basal doses).
This means you can keep:

  • one injection method
  • one pen system
  • no mixing of devices
  • no last-minute panic about pens being withdrawn
For me, the cleanest setup is:

  • Basal: Tresiba Penfill (using NovoPen 6)
  • Bolus: NovoRapid Penfill (same pen system)
I’m sharing this because a lot of stress comes from half-information (pharmacy comments, Google summaries, etc.). The insulin isn’t disappearing — only certain pen formats are — and there is clear guidance now.

If anyone else is in the middle of this and wants to compare notes or ask questions, feel free to reply. We shouldn’t be left anxious or guessing with something this important.

Document links I’ve found to help me.
 
Hi @Jamie S
I am very sorry indeed at the hassle you have been forced to go through and i thank you for posting all this information.
I have Made an appointment with my GP surgery on the back of your post as i want to check what i can and cannot do.
I do not see a specialist or DSN and if i want anything just ask my GP.
I am blessed where i always seem to get what i want and my surgery is one of the best in the NHS according to the CQC.
My chemist is an independent and can usually get anything i need so i'm lucky there too.

I will keep you posted and i wish you well

Tony
 
I'm glad I've seen this thread as I didn't even realise Levemir was being phased out. The only communication I've had on insulin is that my NovoRapid is being replaced with Trurapi, for which I will need an AllstarPRO pen (Sanofi I believe). My problem with this is that I often inject ½ units with my Echopen and the Allstar pen only delivers whole units. Am I right in assuming that I cannot use Trurapi 100ml cartrisges in my Echopen?
 
You’re right to question this, and unfortunately yes — your assumption is correct.

Trurapi cartridges aren’t compatible with NovoPen / Echo pens.
They’re designed to be used with Sanofi’s AllStar / AllStar Pro pens, not Novo Nordisk devices.

That creates two real issues in your case:

  1. Half-unit dosing
    • Echo / Echo Plus → supports ½-unit dosing
    • AllStar Pro → whole units only
    • So if you regularly dose 0.5u, switching to Trurapi + AllStar would remove that option
  2. Pen compatibility
    • NovoRapid Penfill works with NovoPen / Echo
    • Trurapi cartridges don’t fit Novo pens
    • Pens aren’t interchangeable across manufacturers
Because of that, being switched to Trurapi without discussing pen and dosing needs first isn’t ideal.

It’s worth pushing back and asking:

  • whether NovoRapid Penfill can be continued (same insulin class, keeps Echo pen)
  • or how half-unit dosing would be safely managed on a different pen
Pen choice isn’t just convenience — for people who use half-units, it’s a clinical safety issue.

Yes — that assumption is correct.

Trurapi (insulin aspart) cartridges cannot be used in NovoPen / Echo pens.
They are made for Sanofi pens (AllStar / AllStar Pro) and are not compatible with Novo Nordisk devices.

So if you rely on:

  • Echo / Echo Plus for ½-unit dosing, or
  • staying within the NovoPen system
then switching to Trurapi would mean:

  • changing pens and
  • losing half-unit dosing (AllStar Pro is whole units only)
That’s a legitimate safety and dosing concern, not just a preference.
Look at my pot below it’s what I’m now being forced to do.

Hope that helps, and you’re definitely not overthinking this
 
Last edited:
Thanks for this. Although my GP surgery prescribes my medication and the communication from them was directed by the ICB, my care is through the hospital. I had a chat with the DSN at the hospital and she made the case for me to remain on NovoRapid with my EchoPen and this has now been confirmed by the GP surgery. Also, the DSN asked when I was due to attend the diabetic clinic, I pointed out that I had rung the hospital about this last month and was told 'don't ring us we'll ring you'. So the DSN got on to the bookings team and I now have an appointment for next month when I can discuss what to do about replacing Levemir.
Incidentally, the DSN said there IS a JuniorStar pen by Sanofi which delivers half units, but it doesn't have the memory function.
 
novarapid for me was switched to fiasp cartridges they are compatabile with echo plus pens. could be worth asking as still would have ability for half dosages that way.
 
The memory function on the novopens is vital if you are getting a bit forgetful?
Even if you are not you can use it to your advantage.
It is unlikely your GP surgery would understand its function i know mine didnt.

Good luck
Tony
 
Information from ICB.
The effects of my illness have not been taken in to account by anyone.

IM JUST TOLD TO WAIT HELP ME
WORSE CHRISTMAS OF MY LIFE, WORSE CONTROL WITH STRESS AND HEALTH ANXIETY, OUT OF CONTROL BECAUSE IM OUT OF CONTROL OR NOT ALOUD TO TAKE CONTROL.

Remember now Novorapid change has gone 7months over the due dates of change, and I can’t trust a word that has been said to me from now nearly 10 people and 3 months from the 8th October this begun.

They are in a mess and playing with not just my health but thousands of others.

Following our recent phone conversation, I put the questions you asked to our Medicines Optimisation team.



They advise that we have not yet started the switch for Levemir in the Norfolk & Waveney locality. “Yet regulations and paperwork was issued 18 August 2025, see my previous posts” This work is being led by the National Diabetes team and delegated to Integrated Care Boards (ICB) to ensure the switches happen gradually across England. This roll out will support the medicines supply chain and prevent a shortage of insulin supply when patients are switched.



We receive quarterly data from the national team so have sight of all patients in our area who will need to be switched. We are still working on our “switching” implementation plan, with the aim of starting in March/April 2026.



With respect to your first question:

Can a GP prescribe an alternative basal insulin for an existing Type 1 patient during a known national insulin discontinuation when secondary care referral is delayed or unaccepted, provided national guidance is available?

A GP has to work within their own competency when prescribing. However, they may decide to follow the published guidance if they feel they have the expertise. “They can but they cant in my words” This published guidance has been discussed at our latest Diabetes meeting with the local specialist team, and an agreement will be made at our meeting in January 2026 about how to proceed and support local GPs with clinical questions. We have recently been asked to report to NHS England about which insulins we will be switching to, to ensure supply continues. “Paperwork in place but no yes you can or no you can’t there is loads of serious concerns here”



Regarding the second question

Please can we ask what you are expecting to happen with NovoRapid as this is not part of the discontinuation programme. We would like to understand what your expectation is following the mention of this in your email. “They have no clear understanding of the Pen type change and what’s affected a complete fail in my eyes and a reason I’m unable to get the answers from people that should know”

The change required would be both insulin types to in a vile with a pen that I change the cartridge, I require different colours for 2 types of insulin.

We can reassure you that your insulin is still in good supply and as a system we are working together to ensure the switch happens in a safe way for all. “They don’t understand living with it and having a inability of change due to not understanding, this is my issues, MY HEALTH”

I trust the information so far explains the ICB’s position and hope it is helpful.

I have now been advised by the IVC they are unable to deal with my issues. It’s the internal doctors I’ve had to raise a complaint to. I’m now waiting on their response to the complaint went in on the day. They went on strike and I’m yet to have a response, this has officially been the worst Christmas of my life of control stress anxiety, massively I am in towards all of this . Someone’s diabetes should have control or have an understanding of what’s going on and it should not be as confusing as this has been for the last three months for me. This will kill thousands of people that is fact and this is stressful.

No one knows what’s going on which makes it very very dangerous. I hope I can get some clarification on this and someone can read it with full understanding.

Can anyone advise me of anyone private, but I can use to get my health issues sorted out at whatever cost I’m in Norfolk.
 
With regard to your first question This piece makes complete sense to me “This work is being led by the National Diabetes team and delegated to Integrated Care Boards (ICB) to ensure the switches happen gradually across England. This roll out will support the medicines supply chain and prevent a shortage of insulin supply when patients are switched. We receive quarterly data from the national team so have sight of all patients in our area who will need to be switched. We are still working on our “switching” implementation plan, with the aim of starting in March/April 2026.”

So they are saying that if everyone was switched to new insulins immediately, at the same time, this could cause a shortage of the new insulin types. To prevent that NHS are being asked now which insulins will be used instead of levemir, they will ensure stocks will be in place, and then different regions will be switched at different times. Your region will start in March or April, and they have a list of patients who need to be switched.

I think as far as the switch from levemir is concerned you can be sure they are planning in accordance with national guidelines and will be contacted when it is time to switch. There is no reason to think things are out of control. But if this is still worrying you, and affecting your levels of control then the best thing to do is to talk to your GP.

With regard to the second question it does sound as if they expect you to continue with novorapid, and use the penfil which I think is what you wanted in your earlier post.
 
Moving on and why I feel out of control and unorganised.

Help with understanding change from half units to full units, it’s been mentioned before, is it just accepted that we change, “no one other than us” understands the dynamics of changing insulin dose.

I’m trying to look at and see the positive but this change is well affecting me. Just remember this has gone on for 3 months. My next thought is when my levirmir is changed can I have a matching pen type? I just want simplicity and direction and answers. I should not of had to fight for this. I hope it helps.

My personal preference from changing around 10-15 years ago was to do it all and get use to it. I hate the feeling of uncertainty, not being in control of one’s health. It was only a few days ago the diabetes team refused to help because I’ve been with my local GP for diabetes. Yet I get a letter from a stranger that wants to change my insulin that I was yet to mention about, but understood it was do to go out of stock in march 2025, not the case it’s the pen type change, or looking at my letter it’s about COST. THE REST IS EXCUSES. Now looking at insurance and going private.

Letter received today

“Re: Your medicine is now available as a best value product Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (NWICB) regularly reviews the medicines recommended for prescribing to ensure that our local doctors are using the most effective and best value medicines.
From time-to-time identical lower cost alternatives to existing higher priced brands become available. The active ingredient is the same so there is no problem in converting to a different manufacturer of this medicine.


You are currently taking NovoRapid FlexPen 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens; we have decided to change the prescribing of this higher priced version because an identical best value product is available.


This recent change has been fully supported by GPs (previously the GP said they can’t do anything, there words not mine) through both the ICB's clinical executive committee and the prescribing leads forum.


The next time you collect your prescription you will notice that your usual


NovoRapid FlexPen 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled pens


has been changed to


Trurapi 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled


Solostar pens


Trurapi 100units/ml solution for injection 3ml pre-filled Solostar pens contains the same active ingredient as your previous brand. Please use up all of your previous medicine before starting this new version.


We “do not expect you to notice any difference” (the same insulin remember, someone’s being very careful how they word things) when your prescription is changed. Should you have any questions about this medicine change, please ask to speak to your doctor, practice nurse or community pharmacist.


Any decision to change prescribing is not taken lightly; it is our responsibility to provide the best value for money for all of our patients. To meet that duty, we need to make sure we commission cost-effective prescribing which will have the greatest impact on the largest number of people. Should you require more information about this, please contact the ICB team at [email protected] who will be able to assist with your enquiry.


Yours sincerely”

Anything I’ve read it’s not about the money but stock, or no longer manufacturing a pen type. If they want to save money keep it simple stupid more outlay year one of change. Cost effective to me is a vile type insulin with reusable pen, no waste, manufactured multiple pen colours say 4 colours, multiple insulin types in a vile.
It’s about who having the deal not one’s health.
 
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