What to do if Lantus is in shortage — for Australia
Drug shortages happen periodically — manufacturing issues, supply chain disruptions, regulatory holds — and Lantus (Insulin Glargine) may become temporarily unavailable in some pharmacies or countries. For chronic users at 100 IU/mL, knowing how to handle a shortage prevents unnecessary treatment interruption.
Australia context
Drug shortages in Australia are tracked by TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) when significant. For Lantus, shortage of one strength or one manufacturer rarely means total unavailability of Insulin Glargine — authorised generics or alternative manufacturers usually fill the gap, with the pharmacist coordinating substitution and the prescriber confirming any formulation change at 100 IU/mL.
- Regulator
- TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration)
- Currency
- AUD
How shortages work for Lantus
When Lantus is in shortage, the pharmacist usually has several options: dispense an authorised generic of Insulin Glargine, source from a different manufacturer of the same active ingredient, suggest a different formulation (e.g. liquid, dispersible) or, in extended shortages, ask the prescriber to consider an alternative Diabetes Treatment agent. Insulin glargine binds the insulin receptor with similar affinity to human insulin, activating intracellular signalling that increases glucose uptake in muscle and adipose tissue, suppresses hepatic g…
Practical steps
According to general pharmacy practice, the first step in a Lantus shortage is to ask the pharmacist about authorised generic availability — most shortages affect a single brand or strength, not the entire supply of Insulin Glargine at 100 IU/mL. The prescriber should be informed if the pharmacist needs to substitute or change formulation. Stockpiling or buying extra outside regulated channels is not the right response.
Frequently asked questions
What do I do if my pharmacy doesn't have Lantus? ▾
Ask the pharmacist whether an authorised generic of Insulin Glargine is available — usually yes — or whether another pharmacy in the area has stock of Lantus at 100 IU/mL. The pharmacist can also contact the prescriber if a formulation switch is needed.
Will Lantus come back in stock? ▾
Most shortages are resolved within weeks to months as manufacturing or supply issues are fixed. Until then, the authorised generic of Insulin Glargine is the standard alternative and is clinically equivalent to Lantus at the same 100 IU/mL strength.
What to do if Lantus is in shortage in other countries
- the United StatesFDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- the United KingdomMHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency)
- SpainAEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios)
- MexicoCOFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios)
- ArgentinaANMAT (Administración Nacional de Medicamentos, Alimentos y Tecnología Médica)
- GermanyBfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte)
- FranceANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé)
- ItalyAIFA (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco)
- BrazilANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.