Insulin Aspart Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

Updated:

March 12, 2026

Author:

Peter Daggett

Summarize this blog with AI:

Get the latest on the Insulin Aspart (NovoLog, Fiasp) shortage in 2026. Learn what's causing it, what it costs now, and how to find it in stock.

The Insulin Aspart Shortage in 2026: What's Actually Going On

If you rely on Insulin Aspart to manage your diabetes, the past year has been anything but predictable. Pharmacy shelves that used to reliably stock your NovoLog or Fiasp have been hit-or-miss, and you're probably wondering: Is this still going on? And when will it end?

Here's the most current information we have, written in plain English so you can make informed decisions about your care.

Is Insulin Aspart Still in Shortage?

Yes. As of early 2026, Insulin Aspart remains on the ASHP (American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) drug shortage list.

The shortage isn't across every form and brand equally. Here's the breakdown:

  • NovoLog vials (10 mL)Discontinued by Novo Nordisk as of December 31, 2025
  • NovoLog FlexPen (3 mL)Discontinued as of December 31, 2025
  • NovoLog PenFill cartridgesDiscontinued as of December 31, 2025
  • NovoLog FlexTouch pens — Still available, but intermittent supply constraints at some pharmacies
  • Fiasp FlexTouch and vials — Still available, with some regional shortages
  • Biosimilars (Kirsty, Merilog) — Approved and entering the market, availability growing

So while Insulin Aspart hasn't disappeared entirely, the most familiar forms many patients were using are gone. That's what's causing the disruption.

Why Is Insulin Aspart Hard to Find?

Several factors are at play simultaneously:

Novo Nordisk's Product Line Overhaul

Novo Nordisk made a strategic decision to streamline its insulin offerings. They cut list prices by up to 75% on key products as of January 1, 2026, but also discontinued their unbranded biologic versions and older delivery devices. For patients, this means the cheaper generic-like options that were available in 2024-2025 have been pulled from shelves.

Biosimilar Supply Is Still Scaling Up

The FDA approved two Insulin Aspart biosimilars in 2025: Merilog (February 2025) and Kirsty (July 2025). These are great news long-term, but manufacturing and distributing new biologic products takes time. Not every pharmacy has them in stock yet.

The Fiasp Disruption

Fiasp FlexTouch pens experienced shortages starting in April 2024, with disruptions projected into early 2026 in some regions. While Novo Nordisk has worked to restore supply, the intermittent nature of availability has been frustrating for patients.

How Much Does Insulin Aspart Cost in 2026?

Pricing has actually improved, even as supply has been spotty:

  • NovoLog FlexTouch — Novo Nordisk's reduced list price is now significantly lower. With a GoodRx coupon, you may pay as low as $74 per vial equivalent.
  • Generic Insulin Aspart — Available for approximately $74-$100 per vial with discount cards.
  • Retail without discounts — Approximately $130-$350 depending on the form (pens vs. vials) and pharmacy.
  • Medicare patients — Capped at $35 per month under the Inflation Reduction Act.
  • NovoCare Savings Card — Eligible commercially insured patients may pay as low as $25 per prescription.

For more details on every way to save, read our full guide: How to save money on Insulin Aspart in 2026.

New Options for Patients in 2026

Kirsty: The First Interchangeable Biosimilar

Kirsty (insulin aspart-xjhz) is a game-changer. As the first interchangeable biosimilar to NovoLog, your pharmacist can substitute it directly — no new prescription needed from your doctor. This should help ease supply pressure as it becomes more widely stocked.

Merilog: Another Biosimilar Option

Merilog (insulin aspart-szjj) by Sanofi is a biosimilar (not interchangeable), so you may need an updated prescription to use it. But it's clinically equivalent to NovoLog and adds another option to the supply chain.

Novo Nordisk Price Cuts

Novo Nordisk's price reductions that took effect January 1, 2026, cover Fiasp and other insulin products. Combined with the $35/month Medicare cap and manufacturer savings programs, out-of-pocket costs are lower than they've been in years for many patients.

How to Find Insulin Aspart in Stock Right Now

Here's your action plan:

  1. Use Medfinder — search for pharmacies near you with real-time stock information
  2. Ask about biosimilars — specifically request Kirsty or Merilog if NovoLog isn't available
  3. Try independent pharmacies — they often have stock when chains are out
  4. Contact NovoCare — call 1-888-668-6444 for help locating supply and savings programs
  5. Talk to your doctor — if Insulin Aspart is consistently unavailable, they can help you switch to an alternative rapid-acting insulin

For a step-by-step guide, see: How to find Insulin Aspart in stock near you.

Final Thoughts

The Insulin Aspart shortage in 2026 is real, but it's evolving — and mostly in a positive direction. Prices are coming down. Biosimilars are entering the market. And tools like Medfinder make it easier than ever to find what you need.

The key is to stay informed, act early, and keep your healthcare team in the loop. Don't wait until your last pen or vial to start looking — plan ahead and explore all your options.

We'll keep updating this article as the situation changes. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest.

When will the Insulin Aspart shortage end?

There's no firm end date. Novo Nordisk completed its product discontinuations at the end of 2025, and biosimilars like Kirsty and Merilog are entering the market throughout 2026. Most experts expect supply to stabilize as biosimilar production scales up, but intermittent shortages may continue through mid-2026 at some pharmacies.

Did the price of Insulin Aspart go down in 2026?

Yes. Novo Nordisk cut list prices by up to 75% on key insulin products effective January 1, 2026. With discount cards like GoodRx, a vial of insulin aspart may cost as low as $74. Medicare patients pay no more than $35 per month under the Inflation Reduction Act. Novo Nordisk also offers a savings card through NovoCare with copays as low as $25.

Are NovoLog vials still available?

Novo Nordisk discontinued NovoLog 10 mL vials, FlexPens, and PenFill cartridges as of December 31, 2025. The NovoLog FlexTouch pen is still being manufactured. If you were using vials, talk to your doctor about switching to a FlexTouch pen, a biosimilar, or an alternative rapid-acting insulin.

What is the $35 insulin cap and does it apply to Insulin Aspart?

The Inflation Reduction Act caps insulin copays at $35 per month for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan members. This applies to all covered insulin products, including Insulin Aspart. Many private insurers have also adopted similar caps. If you have Medicare, you should not pay more than $35 per month for your Insulin Aspart.

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You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.

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