| Topics | Fast Facts |
|---|
| Generic name |
- insulin detemir (pronounced IN soo lin DE te mir) (no generic available)
|
| Common brand names |
- Levemir, Levemir FlexPen (prefilled pen)
|
| Type of insulin, onset, duration |
- Intermediate- to long-acting; begins working in 3 to 4 hours and lasts 6 to 23 hours
- Duration of effects depends on the dose; higher doses last longer than lower doses
|
| Uses |
- Treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus to improve control of blood glucose
|
| When to take the insulin |
- Inject Levemir under the skin once or twice daily as directed by your doctor
- When taken once daily, inject the insulin with the evening meal or at bedtime; when taken twice daily, the evening dose should be taken with the evening meal, at bedtime, or 12 hours following the morning dose
- Inject Levemir at the same time(s) each day
|
| Usual dose |
- The dose and frequency of administering insulin are unique to each individual
- Daily doses of insulin are based upon body weight, diet, activity level, age, individual sensitivity to insulin, type of diabetes (1 or 2)
|
| Injecting the insulin |
- Do not mix Levemir with other insulins
- Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to show you how to draw your dose of insulin into a syringe and inject it, or select the dose on a pen device and inject the insulin
- Do not use Levemir with an external insulin pump
- Before injecting a dose, take the chill off refrigerated insulin by gently rolling the vial or pen between the palm of both hands (do not shake the insulin vigorously)
- Inject the insulin below the skin (not in the muscle) in the upper thighs, upper arms, buttocks, or abdomen; the injection site should be changed (rotated) with each dose
- Don't use Levemir if the insulin appears cloudy instead of clear and colorless
|
| Special instructions and precautions |
- Follow the diet prescribed by your doctor; keep your eating habits and exercise regular
- Tell the doctor who prescribes insulin about any new medicines you are taking
- Do not share insulin pens or syringes/needles with others
|
| Safety during pregnancy/breastfeeding |
- Talk to your doctor about managing your diabetes during pregnancy and breastfeeding
|
| Storage and disposal |
- Store unopened vials and pens in the refrigerator until first use (do not freeze) or at room temperature for 42 days
- After first use, store vials in the refrigerator or at room temperature; discard after 42 days
- After first use, store insulin pens at room temperature (do not refrigerate); discard after 42 days
- Safely discard used syringes, needles, pens, and lancets (safety tip #3, other side)
|
| Most common side effects |
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar); see signs and treatment of hypoglycemia above
- Low potassium blood levels, fast heart rate, fatigue, headache, hunger, weight gain
|
| Other conditions to report to your doctor |
- Chest pain or palpitations, persistent fatigue, confusion, numbness of mouth, lips, or tongue, muscle weakness, tremors, vision changes, swelling of feet, flu-like symptoms
- Swelling, itching, redness, warmth, or pain at the injection site
|
| Herbals that should not be taken with Levemir |
- These herbals can lower your blood glucose: chromium, garlic, gymnema
|
| Prescription medicines that should not be taken with Levemir |
- Many prescription medicines can affect your blood sugar levels and insulin needs
- Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, particularly new medicines
|
| Special tests your doctor may prescribe |
- Patients are often asked to test their own blood glucose using home testing equipment, test their urine for sugar and acetone, and take their blood pressure regularly
- To monitor your diabetes, your doctor may periodically test your blood levels for hemoglobin A1c, potassium, cholesterol, and substances that measure kidney function
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