Common insulin pen faces supply issues amid rising demand

Some North Carolina patients with diabetes tell WRAL they're having trouble refilling prescriptions for Lantus SoloStar insulin pens as the manufacturer acknowledges intermittent supply issues across the United States.

WRAL heard from multiple viewers within the past week who said they went to local pharmacies to refill their usual Lantus SoloStar prescriptions but were unable to get them.

Lantus SoloStar pens are prefilled pens that deliver insulin glargine, a long-acting insulin used to help control blood sugar in people with diabetes. The medication is also commonly prescribed by veterinarians for use for some diabetic pets.

In response to WRAL's questions, Sanofi, the maker of Lantus, confirmed it is experiencing "a period of intermittent supply" of Lantus SoloStar pens.

"Sanofi is experiencing a period of intermittent supply in the U.S. for Lantus (insulin glargine injection) SoloStar® pens due to increased demand," a Sanofi spokesperson said in a statement.

The company said the increase in demand is being driven by "broader market dynamics," but did not provide additional details.

Sanofi said the situation is temporary and is expected to improve over the coming weeks, although a spokesperson also stated, “We cannot provide a definitive timeline for a full return to normal supply levels.”

The company says it has implemented a comprehensive plan in response to current supply and demand challenges. 

Sanofi says this includes accelerating production and expediting all incoming replenishment stock. The company says it is also working with partners to “carefully manage the allocation of existing SoloStar pen inventory.”

Sanofi emphasized that the intermittent supply issue is limited to Lantus SoloStar pens.

The company said Lantus U-100 vials and Toujeo U-300, which contain the same active ingredient, remain available.

CVS also acknowledged experiencing supply issues.

In a statement to WRAL, the company said it has been experiencing "intermittent supply challenges with Lantus over the last several months."CVS also said, “When manufacturer supply interruptions like this occur, our pharmacy teams make every effort to ensure patients have access to the medications they need and, if possible, will work with patients and prescribers to identify potential alternatives.”What should patients do?

Dr. Susan Spratt, an endocrinologist with Duke Health, said patients who are unable to refill their Lantus SoloStar prescription should contact their health care provider as soon as possible.

Patients should not go without their insulin as it can be dangerous, the physician said.

Instead, patients should talk with their provider about whether a generic insulin glargine product or another appropriate alternative is an option. They should also check with their insurance company about coverage differences or available savings programs.

Lantus is not currently listed in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Drug Shortages Database.

WRAL has reached out to the FDA to ask whether it considers the current situation a drug shortage and how the agency determines when a medication is added to its shortage list. 

This story will be updated when the agency responds.