Mixtard Penfill Discontinued: Why, Alternatives, & More

Novo Nordisk, the company behind Mixtard Penfill and other human insulin has phased out the 70/30 insulin line. It has led to acute shortage of the product across Asian countries and widespread speculation. While Novo Nordisk vials are still available and in production, patients are distraught because these aren’t as convenient as the penfill cartridges.

What does this discontinuation mean and are there better alternatives? We discuss the reasons, details, and potential alternatives for everyday consumers in this piece. Here’s the short version:

• Novo Nordisk discontinued Mixtard Penfill since early 2024
• Novo Nordisk will continue production of Mixtard vials (syringe application)
• Mixtard has been replaced with alternative Novo Nordisk insulin products
• Novomix and Ryzodeg (alternatives) are 80% more expensive than Mixtard

Why Did Novo Nordisk Discontinue Mixtard Penfill?

Novo Nordisk discontinued mixtard penfill to consolidate their manufacturing capacity for newer insulin products like Ozempic and Ryzodeg. According to official statements from late 2024 and early 2025, Novo Nordisk wanted to:

• Phase out older versions like Mixtard in favor of newer medicines like Ryzodeg and Novomix. These newer versions offer better blood glucose control, while reducing risk of hypoglycemia.
• Consolidate manufacturing capacity for newer GLP-1 lines, including Ozempic, Novomix, and Ryzodeg. Maintaining multiple types of human insulin injections and penfills wasn’t cost-effective for Novo Nordisk.
• Increase profitability, because the older versions including Mixtard were under strict price control. Newer patented products are more profitable because of lower price regulations and flexible demand.

The official Novo Nordisk statement is as follows:

“Novo Nordisk is committed to deliver medicines that will best serve the greatest number of patients, globally. In order to meet increasing patient demand and ensure a stable supply of our medicines, we have decided to consolidate our insulin portfolio as this will create space needed in our global manufacturing network. Hence, in this process, we are phasing out the penfill.”

There was nothing wrong with Mixtard Penfill and Flexpens. The move is a part of a grand business strategy for Novo Nordisk. The original products or the traditional vials have no defects.

Regions Where Mixtard Penfill Is Discontinued

Novo Nordisk discontinued human Mixtard insulin products between late 2024 and early 2025 in Europe and the US. The product was supplied in diminishing quantities to Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

As of 2026, the product has been discontinued entirely even in Asia. Nevertheless, the list of countries where Mixtard penfill isn’t available includes:

• Australia: Mixtard 30 Penfill was discontinued in October 2024.
• New Zealand: The equivalent (PenMix 30 Penfill) was discontinued in December 2024.
• India & Pakistan: The phase-out of the Penfill format began in mid-2025 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2025/early 2026.
• Saudi Arabia: The Penfill version is being phased out through 2026.
• South Africa: Currently experiencing supply transitions as the company prioritizes newer delivery systems.

Other Human Insulin Being Phased Out

The discontinuation of pre-filled penfill products is one step in an extensive timeline. Novo Nordisk and similar companies like Eli Lilly are phasing out multiple human insulin products. Here’s a complete list of all the products and their potential dates of discontinuation:

Impacts of Discontinuation in Pakistan

The discontinuation of Mixtard Penfill has been disruptive to people living with Diabetes, particularly because the alternatives are more expensive. In January 2026, the price of a penfill vial soared by 87.5% from Rs. 480 to Rs. 900. Hoarding, mass demand, and speculative buying has pushed the price to unreal levels.

This is happening because of three main reasons:

1. Everyday people have yet to understand that the penfill products are gone for good. They are paying exorbitant prices in the hopes that this is a temporary shortage.
2. Alternatives like traditional vials are harder and more painful to use. These are administered through abdominal injections, which are generally frowned upon.
3. Numerous people are uninformed about other insulin alternatives. They cling to penfills because of the convenience and habit.

We’re here to tell you that penfills being discontinued doesn’t mean the world’s ending. Even though it does line up with that uncle from India saying the world would end in 2026. Nevertheless, there are 3 viable alternatives to Mixtard.

Note: The traditional vials are the most viable and cost effective alternative. These will remain available across Pakistan. The manufacturing company Novo Nordisk has not shown any interest in discontinuing these vials.

Mixtard Penfill Alternatives in Pakistan

Novo Nordisk has already replaced classic penfill products with newer versions like Novomix and Ryzodeg. We’ll list these alternatives and breakdown their costs to make your life easier.

Disclaimer: We are only providing these alternatives for educational purposes and awareness. Please only switch products after consulting a doctor.

1. Novomix 30 100IU/ml Flex Pen

Novomix 30 is the official replacement for Mixtard Penfill. Patients using Mixtard can switch to Novomix on a 1 to 1 basis. For example, if your daily dosage for Mixtard is 40 Units, it would also be 40 Units for Novomix.

Unlike Mixtard, Novomix uses disposable pens (Flexpens). These insulin products come in pre-filled states and are more convenient to use. Unfortunately Novomix Flexpens are 80% more expensive than Mixtard Penfills (Rs. 900 Inflated Price).

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2. Humalog Mix 25 100 IU/mL

Humalog Mix 25 has a slightly different concentration of insulin lispro (25%, rapid-acting) and insulin lispro protamine suspension (75%, intermediate-acting). However, it is similar to Mixtard Penfill 30/70.

Humalog Mix 25 is 6% more expensive than Novomix and 86% more expensive than Mixtard Penfill. In-store retail prices are 10% to 15% higher than the prices at PakMeds.

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3. Insuget Bi-Phasic 30/70 100 IU/mL

Insuget 70/30 has a similar concentration to Mixtard Penfill and is one of the most affordable options on this list. It’s registered under Getz Pharma and is a legal, affordable alternative in Pakistan.

Unfortunately, Insuget 70/30 is also administered through syringes. While it is more 15% more affordable than Mixtard Vials (currently at Rs.1200 to Rs. 1250), the administration isn’t easy.

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Note: Please switch to these products only under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Pharmacists do not have the credentials to advise switches. Consult your doctor and ask for advice.

FAQs on Mixtard Penfill Insulin Products

What is another name for mixtard insulin?

Another name for Mixtard insulin is biphasic human insulin. Mixtard is a premixed insulin containing short-acting soluble insulin and intermediate-acting isophane insulin, commonly in ratios such as 30/70. It is also described as premixed human insulin, similar in type to products like Humulin M3.

What are the four types of insulin?

The four types of insulin are rapid-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting, and long-acting insulin. Rapid-acting insulin works within 15 minutes. Short-acting insulin starts in 30–60 minutes. Intermediate-acting insulin lasts up to 18 hours. Long-acting insulin provides steady control for about 24 hours.

What is Insuget 70 30 used for?

Insuget 70/30 is used to control blood glucose levels in people with diabetes mellitus. It is a premixed insulin containing 70% intermediate-acting isophane insulin and 30% short-acting regular insulin. This combination manages both fasting blood sugar and post-meal glucose spikes with fewer daily injections.

What are the risks of using Mixtard 30?

The risks of using Mixtard 30 include hypoglycemia, weight gain, and injection-site reactions. Low blood sugar is the most common risk, especially if meals are missed or doses are incorrect. Other risks include allergic reactions, lipodystrophy at injection sites, and difficulty adjusting doses due to its fixed insulin ratio.

Bottom Line on Mixtard 30/70 Penfill Insulin

Mixtard 30/70 Penfill will no longer be available across Pakistan. The product was discontinuted in early 2024 in other countries. Novo Nordisk has advised Mixtard HM 30 users to switch to modern upgrades like Novomix.

Mixtard Vials will continue to be available for the unforeseeable future only in Asian countries. Currently, the cost effective but painful alternative is syringe administration. More convenient Mixtard alternatives in Pakistan include Novomix and Humalog Mix 25.

At PakMeds we’ve always valued life over prices, which is why we’re offering these products at 6 to 15% lower prices than the market. Order now!