Helping Your Patients Find Insulin Degludec: A Provider's Toolkit

When patients on Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) call your office unable to fill their prescription, time matters. Basal insulin isn't a medication that can wait — especially for patients with type 1 diabetes or those with type 2 diabetes on intensive regimens. This guide gives you and your staff practical tools and workflows to help patients locate Insulin Degludec quickly and, when necessary, transition to alternatives safely.

For background on the current shortage, see: Insulin Degludec Shortage: What Providers Need to Know in 2026.

Step 1: Verify the Shortage Is Affecting Your Patient

Before assuming a supply issue, confirm the details:

• Which formulation? Tresiba U-100 and U-200 may have different availability. If one is stocked, a simple formulation switch may solve the problem.
• Which pharmacy? A single pharmacy being out of stock doesn't mean a regional shortage. The medication may be available at a nearby location.
• Insurance issues vs. supply issues? Sometimes a prior authorization lapse, formulary change, or step therapy requirement mimics a shortage from the patient's perspective. Verify with the pharmacy.

Step 2: Use MedFinder for Providers

MedFinder for Providers is a free tool designed to help clinical staff locate medications in short supply. Here's how to use it for Insulin Degludec:

1. Visit medfinder.com/providers
2. Search for "Insulin Degludec" or "Tresiba"
3. Enter the patient's zip code
4. View pharmacies with current stock
5. Send a new prescription to a pharmacy that has the medication

This can be handled by clinical support staff and takes just a few minutes. Consider making this part of your standard workflow for shortage-affected medications.

Step 3: Contact NovoCare

Novo Nordisk's provider support line can assist with:

• Locating pharmacies with Insulin Degludec in stock
• Enrolling patients in the Patient Assistance Program
• Providing emergency supply options
• Processing Tresiba Savings Card applications

Call 1-888-668-6444 or visit NovoCare.com. NovoCare representatives can sometimes identify stock at pharmacies not visible through standard channels.

Step 4: Explore Alternative Pharmacy Channels

Mail-Order Pharmacies

Mail-order pharmacies typically maintain larger insulin inventories and are less affected by local supply fluctuations. If your patient's insurance supports mail-order, this is often the most reliable option during shortages. Common mail-order pharmacies include Express Scripts, CVS Caremark, and OptumRx.

Specialty Pharmacies

Some specialty pharmacies focus on diabetes medications and may have dedicated Insulin Degludec stock. These pharmacies can also handle complex insurance authorizations.

Hospital Outpatient Pharmacies

If your practice is affiliated with a hospital system, the hospital outpatient pharmacy may have Insulin Degludec available through different distribution channels than retail pharmacies.

340B Pharmacies

For patients seen at 340B-eligible entities (FQHCs, certain hospitals), 340B contract pharmacies may have access to Insulin Degludec at discounted pricing and through different supply allocations.

Step 5: Bridge the Gap

If Insulin Degludec cannot be located immediately, consider these bridging strategies:

• Samples: If your office has Tresiba samples, provide them to bridge until the prescription can be filled.
• Concentration switch: If U-200 is out but U-100 is available (or vice versa), switch the prescription. Both deliver the same insulin — the pen mechanism adjusts for the concentration difference.
• Temporary alternative: Prescribe an alternative basal insulin with a clear plan to switch back when Insulin Degludec is available. Document the shortage-driven switch in the chart.

Step 6: Transition to an Alternative When Necessary

When Insulin Degludec is truly unavailable and no pharmacy has stock, switching is the right call. The most common alternatives:

See our detailed clinical switching guide: Insulin Degludec Shortage: What Providers Need to Know.

Step 7: Set Up Proactive Systems

Rather than reacting to each patient call, consider setting up proactive systems:

• EHR patient lists: Generate a list of all patients currently prescribed Insulin Degludec. During active shortages, proactively contact these patients to verify they can fill their prescriptions.
• Refill timing alerts: Flag patients whose Insulin Degludec prescriptions are coming due for refill so staff can check availability in advance.
• Standing alternative orders: Develop practice-level protocols for Insulin Degludec alternatives so any provider in your group can initiate a switch quickly.
• Patient education materials: Share these resources with patients:
  • How to Find Insulin Degludec in Stock Near You
  • Alternatives to Insulin Degludec
  • How to Save Money on Insulin Degludec

Addressing Patient Concerns

Patients may be anxious about the shortage, especially those who have been well-controlled on Insulin Degludec for years. Key reassurances:

• Alternative basal insulins are safe and effective — millions of patients use Insulin Glargine successfully.
• The switch is intended to be temporary. Document the plan to switch back in the chart.
• Close monitoring during the transition (increased SMBG or CGM review) will catch any issues early.
• The shortage is a supply issue, not a safety concern — Insulin Degludec itself has not been recalled or removed from the market.

Key Takeaways for Providers

• Use MedFinder for Providers to quickly locate Insulin Degludec stock for patients.
• Check both U-100 and U-200 availability — one may be in stock when the other isn't.
• Contact NovoCare (1-888-668-6444) for additional support and stock location assistance.
• Have switching protocols ready: Glargine U-100 (1:1), Glargine U-300 (+10-15%), or Detemir (1:1, often BID).
• Set up proactive EHR workflows to identify and contact affected patients before they run out.
• Document shortage-driven switches to facilitate switching back when supply normalizes.