Fiasp Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

The Fiasp insulin shortage has been one of the most disruptive medication access issues for people with diabetes over the past two years. If you rely on Fiasp to manage your blood sugar, here is the most current information on the shortage — what's happening, why it started, and what's changed in 2026.

Fiasp Shortage Status in Early 2026

As of January 26, 2026, the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) continues to list insulin aspart — including Fiasp — as an active drug shortage. The ASHP listing was created in November 2023 and has been updated multiple times since.

The shortage is not uniform across all Fiasp formulations. Here is the current status by product:

• Fiasp FlexTouch pen (3 mL, 5-pack): In shortage since April 2024. Intermittent availability in 2025–2026, with some regional improvements but not fully resolved.
• Fiasp PenFill cartridge (3 mL): Generally available; can support increased demand.
• Fiasp 10 mL vial: Still available in the US, with some regional constraints.
• Fiasp PumpCart: Variable availability; check with your pharmacy and insulin pump manufacturer for confirmation.

Fiasp Shortage Timeline: How We Got Here

Understanding the timeline helps set expectations:

• November 2023: ASHP first lists insulin aspart (including Fiasp) as an active drug shortage.
• April 2024: Fiasp FlexTouch pens go on backorder due to manufacturing capacity issues for the pen delivery system.
• 2024–2025: Intermittent availability of FlexTouch pens; PenFill cartridges and vials remain more consistently stocked.
• December 31, 2025: Novo Nordisk discontinues its unbranded insulin aspart, removing that cheaper generic-like option from the market and shifting more patients to brand Fiasp or NovoLog.
• Early 2026: Fiasp remains on ASHP shortage list. Medicare-negotiated prices for Fiasp take effect. FDA-approved biosimilars (Merilog, Kirsty) beginning to enter pharmacy networks.

Why Did the Fiasp Shortage Happen?

Novo Nordisk has attributed the FlexTouch pen shortage to manufacturing capacity constraints — specifically with the pen delivery device, not the insulin drug itself. Several factors compounded the problem:

1. Pen device manufacturing: The FlexTouch pen requires a specialized manufacturing process that could not keep pace with demand.
2. Rising diabetes prevalence: Over 38 million Americans have diabetes, a number that continues to grow each year, placing increasing pressure on insulin supply chains.
3. Biologic production complexity: Insulin is manufactured through complex cell-based processes that cannot be scaled up quickly. Any manufacturing disruption creates ripple effects that take months to resolve.
4. Generic discontinuation demand shift: The December 2025 discontinuation of unbranded insulin aspart concentrated demand on brand products, straining remaining supplies.

What Does the Medicare Price Negotiation Mean for Fiasp Patients?

Fiasp was among the first 10 drugs selected for Medicare price negotiation in 2024 under the Inflation Reduction Act. Negotiated prices became effective beginning in 2026. For Medicare Part D patients, this means:

• Lower out-of-pocket costs for covered Medicare patients
• Medicare patients pay no more than $35 per month under the Inflation Reduction Act insulin cap
• A $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap for Part D covers Fiasp along with other Part D drugs in 2026

What Should Patients Do Right Now?

Based on the current shortage situation, here is what patients should do:

1. Ask about alternative Fiasp formats: If FlexTouch pens are unavailable, PenFill cartridges and 10 mL vials often have better supply.
2. Refill early: Refill your Fiasp prescription as soon as your insurance allows to maintain a supply buffer.
3. Use medfinder: medfinder calls pharmacies near you to find which ones currently have your Fiasp formulation — faster than calling yourself.
4. Talk to your doctor about alternatives: If Fiasp consistently isn't available at your pharmacy, NovoLog, Lyumjev, or a biosimilar may be a workable substitute.
5. Never ration insulin: Reducing or skipping insulin doses is medically dangerous and can lead to serious complications. Contact your prescriber immediately if you are running low.

When Will the Fiasp Shortage End?

A firm resolution date has not been announced. As biosimilars (Kirsty and Merilog) scale up production and Novo Nordisk works on pen manufacturing capacity, experts expect gradual improvement through 2026. Intermittent shortages may continue at some pharmacies through mid-2026. For tips on finding Fiasp in the meantime, see: How to Find Fiasp in Stock Near You.