Insulin Detemir
Generic name: insulin detemir [ IN-su-lin-DE-te-mir ]
Brand names: Levemir, Levemir FlexTouch, Levemir PenFill, Levemir FlexPen, Levemir InnoLet
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (100 units/mL)
Drug class:Insulin
What is insulin detemir?
Insulin is a hormone that works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Insulin detemir is a man-made long-acting insulin that starts to work several hours after injection and keeps working evenly for 24 hours.
Insulin detemir is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes mellitus.
Insulin detemir is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.
Insulin detemir is not to be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
Warnings
Never share an injection pen or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use insulin detemir if you are allergic to it. Do not use during an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).
To make sure insulin detemir is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
low levels of potassium in your blood (hypokalemia); or
liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you also take pioglitazone or rosiglitazone (sometimes contained in combinations with glimepiride or metformin). Taking certain oral diabetes medicines while you are using insulin detemir may increase your risk of serious heart problems.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using insulin detemir if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.
How should I use insulin detemir?
Use insulin detemir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Insulin detemir is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Prepare an insulin detemir injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Your healthcare provider will show you where ...
