• Guest - w'd love to know what you think about the forum! Take the 2025 Survey »

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  • no last-minute panic about pens being withdrawn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?
 
Back
Top