Generic name:insulin detemir [ IN-su-lin-DE-te-mir ]
Brand names: Levemir, Levemir FlexTouch
Drug class:Insulin
What is Levemir?
Levemir is a man-made form of insulin, a hormone that is produced in the body. Insulin works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Levemir is a long-acting insulin that starts to work several hours after injection and keeps working evenly for up to 24 hours.
Levemir is used to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes mellitus. This medicine is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.
Warnings
You should not use Levemir if you are allergic to insulin detemir, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with a short-acting insulin).
Never share a Levemir injection pen or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
Many other drugs can potentially interfere with the effects of Levemir. It is extremely important that you tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can occur if you skip a meal, exercise too long, drink alcohol, or are under stress. An insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. Know the signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and how to recognize them: headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremors, irritability, or trouble concentrating. Be sure your family and close friends know how to help you in an emergency.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Levemir if you are allergic to iinsulin detemir. Do not use during an episode of
