Patients urged to switch insulin as European production of key diabetes drugs ends

The European production and sale of several insulin products will cease, including a widely used medication in Norway, health authorities have warned. Patients are being urged to contact their doctors immediately to transition to alternative treatments.

The phase-out, announced by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, affects multiple insulin products, though most are rarely prescribed in Norway—except for Insulatard FlexPen, according to the Norwegian Directorate of Medical Products (Direktoratet for medisinske produkter).

“We understand that switching insulin can feel challenging,” said senior physician Ingrid Aas of the directorate. “Good alternatives exist, but adjusting requires medical follow-up, and finding the right dose takes time. That’s why it’s urgent to contact your doctor now.”

Data from Norway’s Prescription Registry shows few patients have switched treatments despite prior warnings from the directorate and the Norwegian Diabetes Association. Insulatard, an older insulin type, has been used for decades, but newer options now offer more stable and predictable blood sugar control, Aas noted.

The withdrawal stems from low profitability, the company confirmed. Patients are advised not to delay consulting their healthcare providers to avoid treatment interruptions.