Novo Nordisk, a global healthcare company, has recently announced the discontinuation of Levemir, a long-acting insulin, in the United States. This significant development, announced in November 2023, is set to reshape the landscape for many relying on this medication.
Key Points of the Announcement:
- Impact Period: Expected to commence in January 2024 and span through the end of the year.
- Affected Parties: This change impacts members, plan sponsors, brokers, and Third-Party Administrators.
- Why This Matters: The discontinuation of Levemir is attributed to reduced patient access, manufacturing challenges, and the presence of alternative long-acting insulins in the U.S. market. This decision will likely lead to supply disruptions and necessitate a shift in medication for many users.
Members Using Levemir: Prepare for potential supply disruptions starting January 2024. It’s crucial to consult with healthcare practitioners for transitioning to alternative insulin products.
Plan Sponsors & Brokers: Be aware that several Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) are planning to remove Levemir from their 2024 formularies.
AlignRx’s Commitment: At AlignRx, we are dedicated to navigating these changes alongside our clients.
We’re closely monitoring this situation and are committed to assisting plan sponsors with any issues that may arise from this change, along with keeping our partners informed with any additional information as it become available.
