The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has announced the discontinuation of multiple 10ml vial presentations of insulin products, with supplies expected to be exhausted between September 2025 and May 2026.
In two separate medicine supply notifications, DHSC confirmed that vial presentations of Hypurin Porcine Isophane, Hypurin Porcine Neutral, and Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix will be phased out, alongside vial formats of Humulin I, Humulin S, Humulin M3, and Humalog Mix25.
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Estimated depletion dates for the affected products are as follows:
- Hypurin Porcine Isophane: end of September 2025
- Hypurin Porcine Neutral: mid-February 2026
- Hypurin Porcine 30/70 Mix: end of July 2026
- Humulin I and Humalog Mix25: end of April 2026
- Humulin M3 and Humulin S: end of May 2026
Cartridge presentations for all affected insulins remain available and are expected to support increased demand.
Patients using Hypurin Porcine cartridges can use them with the discontinued AutoPen Classic while remaining stock is available, or with the new Mypen2, expected to launch in late September 2025.
For the Humulin and Humalog products, cartridges compatible with HumaPen Savvio and disposable KwikPens also remain on the market and are suitable alternatives.
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While Insulatard and Actrapid vial formulations remain available, DHSC stated that they will not be able to support increased demand resulting from these changes.
Pharmacy teams have been advised that prescriptions may continue to reference discontinued vial formats until prescribing systems are updated.
DHSC recommends supplying the nearest complete pack size, as all affected products are classified as special containers.
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Further information, including recommended actions, has been circulated to NHS pharmacy email accounts.
Updates on availability can also be found via the online Medicines Supply Tool, accessible with an NHS email address.
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