Norway limits Humulin insulin supply as Insulatard disappears from market

The Norwegian Medicines Agency announced that, beginning at noon on 16 September, Humulin will be rationed due to an anticipated shortage after the NPH insulin Insulatard is removed from the market in late November. The supplier can only satisfy roughly ten percent of one outlet consumption, prompting the agency to limit pharmacy dispensing to one package at a time. Patients still on Insulatard are instructed to consult their physicians immediately to arrange a suitable alternative, as waiting could result in a lack of treatment.

Overlege Ingrid Aas emphasized that many patients could benefit from switching to other insulin types that offer more predictable glucose regulation. The rationing period will continue until early next year, with priority given to groups such as pregnant diabetics, those on glucocorticoids, and certain hospitalized type-2 diabetes patients. Diabetesforbundet Vestland’s regional leader Knut Ståle Kvissel said the shortage had not been widely communicated before media reports emerged.