Discontinuation of Protaphane InnoLet insulin cartridges and approval of a substitute

Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has advised us that it will discontinue the Protaphane InnoLet human insulin (rys) 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge on 1 February 2025. 

We understand the news of this discontinuation may cause concern for people who use this product to manage their diabetes. We hope this early notice will give patients enough time to arrange ongoing treatment changes with the health care professional who prescribes their diabetes medicine. 

In the interim, pharmacists can use a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument - external site (SSSI) to dispense Protaphane Penfill human insulin (rys) 100 IU/mL injection multidose cartridge in the place of a Protaphane InnoLet cartridge, without a new prescription from the prescriber. The SSSI starts on 16 December 2024. 

Please note that a NovoPen device must be used to administer Protaphane Penfill cartridges, with a NovoPen 4 device recommended. 

For detailed information for patients and their carers, pharmacists and prescribers, credentialled diabetes educators and nurses, go to: About the discontinuation of Protaphane InnoLet insulin cartridges.

You can also go to the Medicine Shortage Reports Database- external site- external site - external site (search for ‘Protaphane InnoLet’) for the most up-to-date information. 

For more information about SSSIs, see Substituting scarce medicines and Serious Scarcity Substitution Instruments (SSSIs).