About the discontinuation of Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens
Update: The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) for this product has ended. Patients prescribed Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens should see their health professional for advice.
Novo Nordisk, the sponsor of Ryzodeg in Australia, has notified us that Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens have been discontinued as of 1 February 2025, due to commercial changes. Ryzodeg FlexTouch has been in short supply since 30 June 2023, due to unprecedented global demand for other medicines using the FlexTouch delivery device. Ryzodeg 70/30 Penfill insulin is still available.
The discontinued Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch prefilled pen is an all-in-one insulin and administration device, while the Ryzodeg 70/30 Penfill insulin is a cartridge that must be used with a separate NovoPen administration device.
The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) we made to help manage the unavailability of Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch ended on 30 March 2025.
Information for patients and their carers
We understand the news of this discontinuation may cause concern if you, or someone you care for, is prescribed Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens.
If you have been prescribed this product, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. They may prescribe the Ryzodeg 70/30 Penfill cartridges or an alternative treatment.
If you are prescribed a Penfill cartridge version of insulin, your pharmacist, doctor, credentialled diabetes educator or nurse can explain the differences between FlexTouch prefilled pens and Penfill cartridges, including how to administer them.
NovoPens (NovoPen 4, NovoPen Echo or NovoPen 6) are reusable insulin delivery devices used to administer Ryzodeg Penfill cartridges. NovoPens use the same needles as Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch prefilled pens. Keep this reusable pen, as you will need to use it for your future injections.
You can get a reusable NovoPen 6 for free through the NovoPen 6 Pharmacy Program. Any retail pharmacy can be a part of this program and those already participating are listed via the Online Pharmacy Locator - external site.
If you are unsure how to use the reusable NovoPen 6, ask your pharmacist, doctor, diabetes educator or nurse to explain how to use it. You can also watch a NovoPen 6 How to Use Video - external site.
Your pharmacist can also provide you the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet and additional information from the sponsor of these medicines.
Talk to your pharmacist, doctor, diabetes educator or nurse if you have any questions or concerns about the insulin you have been prescribed.
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has published a fact sheet for all patients - external site affected by the discontinuation of Novo Nordisk insulin products.
Information for pharmacists
The SSSI for Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch insulin prefilled pens ended on 31 March 2025. You should refer patients with a prescription for this product to their doctor for a review of their treatment.
Information for prescribers, credentialled diabetes educators and nurses
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has published guidance for clinicians regarding strategies and safety considerations - external site in responding to discontinuation of Novo Nordisk insulin products, including Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch prefilled pens.
When prescribing for your patients, particularly when initiating new patients, consider the unavailability of Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch prefilled pens, and prescribe the available presentation: Ryzodeg 70/30 Penfill cartridges.
Pharmacists may refer patients with prescriptions for Ryzodeg FlexTouch to you to have their treatment reviewed.
Page history
The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) for this product has ended.
Added link to ACQSHC material.
The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) for this product has ended.
Added link to ACQSHC material.