DHSC issues alert on discontinuation of Levemir insulin
What happened
Levemir, an insulin injection, is set to be discontinued in December. The Department of Health and Social Care issued a national patient safety alert urging National Health Service staff not to issue new prescriptions for the drug. Novo Nordisk first announced the global withdrawal in September 2024 due to declining use.
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Why it matters
The drug is currently used by approximately 30,000 UK diabetes patients to control blood sugar levels. Experts warn that the rate at which patients are switched to alternative treatments may not be fast enough to prevent complications before the December withdrawal date.
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Who's involved
- Department of Health and Social CareIssued a national patient safety alert regarding the drug withdrawal.
- National Health ServiceUtilizes the drug and is subject to the new prescription alert.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- National Health ServiceSpeculative
The National Health Service could face increased operational costs due to the need to manage the transition of patients to alternative treatments.
- Department of Health and Social CareSpeculative
The Department of Health and Social Care might face increased administrative costs related to managing the patient safety alert and drug transition.
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The entities involved
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Department of Health and Social Care
United Kingdom government ministerial department