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Insulin Detemir

    Brands

    DEA Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; Levemir, Levemir FlexTouch

    • Antidiabetics, Insulins; 
    • Antidiabetics, Long-Acting Insulins

    Basal insulin analog administered subcutaneously once or twice daily
    Used for type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) in adult and pediatric patients 2 years and older and adults with type 2 DM
    Advantages vs. NPH insulin include less variability in patient response, less weight gain, and a decrease in hypoglycemia risk, including both nocturnal and severe hypoglycemia

    Indicated for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

    For the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
    For the treatment of gestational diabetes or for the treatment of patients with pre-existing diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2) who are now pregnant.

     

    Systemic allergic reactions

    During episodes of hypoglycemia

    Hypoglycemia

    Headache

    Influenza-like symptoms

    Pallor

    Palpitation

    Tachycardia

    Mental confusion

    Redness

    Urticaria

    Weakness

    Blurred vision

    Itching

    Hunger

    Nausea

    Lipodystrophy

    Lipohypertrophy

    Local allergic reaction

    Hypokalemia

    Localized cutaneous amyloidosis

    Never share pen between patients even if needle is changed

    Long-acting insulin; do not use for circumstances that require rapid-acting insulin

    Use with caution in patients with decreased insulin requirements, including those with diarrhea, nausea/vomiting, malabsorption, hypothyroidism, renal impairment, or hepatic impairment

    Rapid changes in serum glucose may induce symptoms of hypoglycemia

    Frequent glucose monitoring and insulin dose reduction may be required with renal or hepatic impairment; not recommended during periods of rapidly declining renal or hepatic function, because of risk for prolonged hypoglycemia

    May cause a shift in potassium from extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia; caution when coadministered with potassium-lowering drugs or conditions that may decrease potassium

    Use with caution in patients with increased insulin requirements, including those with fever, hyperthyroidism, trauma, or infection or who have undergone surgery

    Lower dose when used in combination with a GLP-1 receptor agonist to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia

    Available data from published studies and postmarketing case reports in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes

    Available data from published literature demonstrate that exogenous human insulin products, are transferred into human milk; there are no published reports of adverse reactions, including hypoglycemia, in breastfed infants exposed to exogenous human insulin products, including this drug, in breastmilk

    Specific maximum dosage information is not available. Individualize dosage based on careful monitoring of blood glucose and other clinical parameters in all patient populations.

    Insulin detemir rDNA origin

    injectable solution

    • 100 units/mL (10mL vial)

    prefilled syringe

    • 100 units/mL (3mL FlexTouch)