⚠️ Supply disruption reported. Some Admelog formulations have experienced intermittent supply issues. Check with your pharmacy for current availability. See alternatives below.
Admelog is a biosimilar rapid-acting insulin (insulin lispro) manufactured by Sanofi. It is used by thousands of UK patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Supply pressures on insulin products have been a growing concern across the NHS.
What Is Admelog?
Admelog is a biosimilar insulin lispro, equivalent to Humalog (manufactured by Eli Lilly). It is a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes of injection and helps control blood sugar around mealtimes.
Key facts about Admelog:
- Active ingredient: Insulin lispro (rapid-acting analogue insulin)
- Manufacturer: Sanofi
- Available forms: Admelog SoloStar pen (pre-filled), Admelog vials, Admelog cartridges
- Used for: Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes (mealtime insulin)
- Biosimilar to: Humalog (Eli Lilly)
Admelog Supply History in the UK
Insulin supply has been a sensitive issue in the UK, with several products experiencing disruptions. Admelog has faced specific supply challenges:
| Period | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | ⚠️ Intermittent | Some formulations experiencing supply delays |
| Q4 2025 | ⚠️ Limited | Admelog SoloStar pen supply reduced |
| Q2-Q3 2025 | ✅ Available | Normal supply restored |
| Q1 2025 | ⚠️ Limited | Manufacturing delays reported by Sanofi |
What to Do If You Can't Get Admelog
Never miss insulin doses. If your pharmacy cannot supply Admelog, take immediate action:
- Contact your pharmacy immediately — they can check supplier stock and order alternatives
- Ask about Humalog (same active ingredient — insulin lispro by Eli Lilly)
- Your diabetes team can prescribe NovoRapid (insulin aspart) as an alternative rapid-acting insulin
- If switching insulin, you may need dose adjustment and monitoring — always consult your diabetes nurse/consultant
- Never go without insulin. If you cannot source any insulin, contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111
Admelog Alternatives: Other Rapid-Acting Insulins
| Medicine | Active Ingredient | Manufacturer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humalog | Insulin lispro | Eli Lilly | Same active ingredient as Admelog |
| NovoRapid | Insulin aspart | Novo Nordisk | Most common alternative rapid-acting insulin |
| Apidra | Insulin glulisine | Sanofi | Another rapid-acting option (less commonly prescribed) |
| Fiasp | Insulin aspart (fast-acting) | Novo Nordisk | Ultra-rapid acting formulation |
Is Admelog the Same as Humalog?
Yes, essentially. Admelog is a biosimilar of Humalog — both contain insulin lispro as their active ingredient. The EMA (European Medicines Agency) has confirmed that Admelog is highly similar to Humalog with no clinically meaningful differences in safety or efficacy.
Key differences are commercial rather than clinical: different manufacturer (Sanofi vs Eli Lilly), different pen devices, and potentially different pricing on the NHS Drug Tariff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Admelog in shortage in the UK?
Admelog has experienced intermittent supply issues. As of March 2026, some formulations may have limited availability. Check with your pharmacy and sign up for MediWatch alerts for real-time updates.
What is Admelog used for?
Admelog (insulin lispro) is a rapid-acting insulin used to control blood sugar around mealtimes in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Is Admelog the same as Humalog?
Yes — both contain insulin lispro. Admelog is a biosimilar manufactured by Sanofi, while Humalog is made by Eli Lilly. They are clinically equivalent.
What can I use instead of Admelog?
Humalog (insulin lispro), NovoRapid (insulin aspart), Apidra (insulin glulisine), or Fiasp (fast-acting insulin aspart). Always consult your diabetes team before switching.
Why is there an insulin shortage in the UK?
Insulin shortages can be caused by manufacturing issues, increased global demand, supply chain disruptions, or regulatory changes. The UK imports most of its insulin supply.
As of March 2026, Admelog does not have an active shortage notification from DHSC or NHS England. Supply situations can change rapidly — sign up for free MediWatch alerts to be notified immediately if this changes.
Note: This medicine had 1 previous shortage notification that has since been resolved.
⚠️ Important: Other Medication Safety
Urgency: Do not stop taking your prescribed medication without consulting your doctor, even if supply is disrupted.
What to do: Contact your GP or pharmacist as soon as you become aware of a shortage affecting your medication. The earlier you act, the more options you will have.
Tip: Phone ahead before visiting the pharmacy. Many pharmacies can check stock levels by phone and may be able to order your medication from their wholesaler.
Previous Shortage History
| Notification | Source | Date Issued | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admelog® (insulin lispro) | DHSC MSN | 2025-09-18 | Resolved |
Data sourced from DHSC Medicine Supply Notifications and NHS England Serious Shortage Protocols. Last verified: March 2026. See our data sources and editorial policy for full methodology.
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Data sourced from DHSC and NHS England. Updated daily.