A response to the withdrawal of Novo Nordisk’s
porcine (pork) insulin range

Novo Nordisk has announced the withdrawal of their porcine insulin range. People who have been using a Novo Nordisk porcine insulin are now able to transfer to a similar-acting Hypurin® porcine insulin.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Question
When will the Novo Nordisk porcine insulin range be discontinued?
1. Answer
Novo Nordisk’s porcine insulin range will not be available after December 2007.

2. Question
What should I do if I am currently using a Novo Nordisk porcine insulin?
2. Answer
You will need to visit your diabetes healthcare professional who will advise you about changing your insulin treatment. Any change to your insulin must be supervised by a healthcare professional.

3. Question
Are Hypurin® porcine insulins equivalent to the Novo Nordisk porcine insulins?
3. Answer
No two insulin products are exactly the same. However, the Hypurin® porcine insulin range provides the nearest equivalents to the Novo Nordisk porcine insulins. The following table sets out the porcine range that will continue to be available from Wockhardt UK alongside the products due to be withdrawn by Novo Nordisk.

The following chart shows the profiles of action for the Hypurin® porcine insulin products:

Profiles of action for the Novo Nordisk porcine insulin products can be found in MIMS.

4. Question
Will I need to change my insulin dose if I switch from Novo Nordisk porcine insulin to Hypurin® porcine insulin?
4. Answer
Wockhardt UK cannot advise you regarding your individual insulin treatment and would therefore recommend that you discuss this issue with your diabetes healthcare professional. Close monitoring of blood and urinary glucose levels is advised when switching from one insulin preparation to another, in case a change in dosage is necessary.

5. Question
I understand that Hypurin® porcine insulins are available in 3ml cartridges. If I wanted to begin using Hypurin® cartridges which pen injector device would I need?
5. Answer
Hypurin® insulin 3ml cartridges fit in the Autopen® Classic pen-injector device made by Owen Mumford. The Autopen® Classic is available on prescription and can therefore be prescribed for you by your healthcare professional. (Please note, Hypurin® insulin cartridges are not compatible with the Autopen® 24 pen-injector device). For more information, please contact the Owen Mumford Pharmacy Helpline on Tel: 01993 810052 or visit www.owenmumford.com

1 unit pen: 1 - 21 units, 2 unit pen: 2 - 42 units

6. Question
Can you confirm that Wockhardt UK is committed to the ongoing supply of Hypurin® insulin?
6. Answer
Yes. Wockhardt UK has restated that we will continue to manufacture and supply Hypurin® insulins for the foreseeable future.

7. Question
How many people are affected by the withdrawal of Novo Nordisk’s porcine insulins?
7. Answer
When Novo Nordisk announced the withdrawal, it was estimated that 12,000 people were using their porcine insulins.

8. Question
The demand for Hypurin® insulins is going to increase. What action is Wockhardt UK taking to ensure that enough product is made available?
8. Answer
Hypurin® porcine and bovine insulins continue to be key products for Wockhardt UK and, as part of an expansive investment program, production capabilities for these products are already being significantly enhanced to allow for increased demand.

9. Question
What activity is Wockhardt UK undertaking to ensure that patients are aware that Hypurin® porcine insulin is an alternative to the Novo Nordisk porcine insulin range?
9. Answer
Wockhardt UK will continue to send out press releases and mailings to diabetes healthcare professionals. Close contact will be maintained with diabetes patient groups. Advertising will also be undertaken and information will be made available at key exhibitions and meetings. The Wockhardt UK website at www.wockhardt.co.uk will be regularly updated with the latest Hypurin® information. These activities should ensure that healthcare professionals, and therefore patients, receive the correct information regarding the ongoing availability of porcine insulin.

We firmly believe in maintaining freedom of choice for those needing insulin.
If you would like to discuss any of this information further, please contact Wockhardt UK on Tel No: 01978 661261.

Diabetes UK may also be able to answer any more questions you may have. You can contact them on Tel: 020 7424 1000 or visit their website at www.diabetes.org.uk

HP26/07 May 2007