Current Shortage Status
Insulatard® (isophane insulin, human) Penfill® 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml cartridges
medium DHSC MSNDepartment of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has issued a medicine supply notification for Insulatard® (isophane insulin, human) Penfill® 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml cartridges • Insulatar
⚠️ Resolution date passed — supply status unconfirmed. Check with your pharmacist.
What to Do If You're Affected
- Contact your pharmacy as soon as possible — don't wait until you run out
- Ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active
- Speak to your GP about prescribing an alternative
- Try other local pharmacies who may have different stock
- Sign up for MediWatch alerts to track this shortage
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Insulatard Penfill in shortage in the UK in 2026?
Yes — as of 3 March 2026, there is 1 active shortage notification for Insulatard Penfill in the UK, issued by DHSC or NHSBSA. Sign up for MediWatch alerts to be notified of any changes.
What is Insulatard Penfill used for?
Insulatard Penfill is commonly prescribed in the UK for various medical conditions. It is dispensed through NHS pharmacies across the country.
What should I do if I can't get Insulatard Penfill from my pharmacy?
First, ask your pharmacist if a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP) is active — this may allow them to dispense an alternative without a new prescription. If not, contact your GP who can prescribe a suitable alternative. Try other local pharmacies as stock levels vary by location.
Active Shortage
Severity: medium
As of March 2026, Insulatard Penfill has 1 active shortage notification from official DHSC/NHS England data. No confirmed resolution date has been announced.
Source: DHSC Medicine Supply Notification · Issued: 2024-03-21
Official Alternatives & Guidance
- Humulin® I KwikPen® (insulin isophane human) 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml pre-filled pens remain available and can support increased demand.
- Insulatard® Penfill® and Insulatard® vials (insulin isophane human 100units/ml) remain available but cannot support any increased demand.
Source: Official DHSC/NHS England alternative guidance
⚠️ 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
Insulatard® (isophane insulin, human) Penfill® 100units/ml s
DHSC MSN
2024-12-12
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.
Get free shortage alerts
As of March 2026, Insulatard Penfill has 1 active shortage notification from official DHSC/NHS England data. No confirmed resolution date has been announced.
Source: DHSC Medicine Supply Notification · Issued: 2024-03-21
Official Alternatives & Guidance
- Humulin® I KwikPen® (insulin isophane human) 100units/ml suspension for injection 3ml pre-filled pens remain available and can support increased demand.
- Insulatard® Penfill® and Insulatard® vials (insulin isophane human 100units/ml) remain available but cannot support any increased demand.
Source: Official DHSC/NHS England alternative guidance
⚠️ 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insulatard® (isophane insulin, human) Penfill® 100units/ml s | DHSC MSN | 2024-12-12 | 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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Sign up free →Page last updated: 3 March 2026. Data checked daily.