Levemir
Generic Name: Insulin Detemir, rDNA origin
What is Levemir?
Levemir is a long-acting insulin used for the treatment of adults or children with type 1 diabetes, or adults with type 2 diabetes who require long-acting insulin to control their high blood sugar levels.What is the most important information I should know about Levemir?
Do not make any changes with your insulin dose unless you have talked to your doctor. Your insulin needs may change because of illness, stress, other medicines, or changes in diet or activity level.If you forget a dose of Levemir, you may experience a spike in your blood sugar levels. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness, and fruity smelling breath. Talk to your doctor about how to treat high blood sugar.
Do not use Levemir with an insulin infusion pump. Do not dilute Levemir Cartridges or mix it with other insulin.
Be careful when you drive a car or operate machinery until you know how you respond to Levemir. Your ability to concentrate or react may be reduced if you have low blood sugar. Ask your doctor if you should drive if you have frequent signs of low blood sugar.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Levemir before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery. Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes.
Carry a reliable source of glucose (such as tablets or gel) to treat low blood sugar, which can occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise too much.
Your doctor may perform tests, including fasting blood glucose levels or hemoglobin A1c, while you use Levemir. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Who should not take Levemir?
Do not take Levemir if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Levemir?
Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking to avoid a possible interaction with Levemir. Also talk with your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have nerve problems, thyroid problems, adrenal gland problems, pituitary problems, use three or more injections daily, are fasting, have high blood sodium levels, are on a low-salt diet, or have kidney or liver problems. Also, tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.What is the usual dosage?
The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.Doses of insulin are measured in units. Levemir is available as a U-100 insulin. Only U-100 type syringes should be used for injection to ensure proper dosing.
Adults and Children 6-17 years: The usual dose is taken once or twice a day. If it is prescribed once daily, it should be taken with either your morning or evening meal. If Levemir is prescribed twice daily, take a morning dose and an evening dose either 12 hours after the morning dose, with your evening meal, or at bedtime. The dose of Levemir should be adjusted according to measurements of sugar in your blood.
How should I take Levemir?
Take Levemir exactly as prescribed.Inspect Levemir visually prior to administration and only use it if the solution appears clear, odorless, and colorless.
Use the proper injection technique taught to you by your doctor. Refer to the package insert that accompanies Levemir for detailed instructions.
Inject Levemir deep under the skin, and not into a vein or muscle. Injection sites within an injection area (abdomen, thigh, upper arm) must be rotated from one injection to the next. Check with your doctor if you notice a depression in the skin or skin thickening at the injection site. You may need to change your injection technique.
Use a new needle for each injection. After each injection, remove the needle without recapping and dispose of it in a puncture-resistant container.
Do not mix or dilute Levemir with any other insulin preparations.
Follow your doctor's instructions about monitoring your blood sugar. Do not make any changes with your insulin unless you have talked to your doctor. Your insulin needs may change because of illness, stress, other medicines, or changes in diet or activity level. Talk to your doctor about how to adjust your insulin dose.
What should I avoid while taking Levemir?
Do not inject Levemir in the same place twice; rotate injection sites.Do not mix Levemir with any other insulin.
Do not take more than the recommended dose, use more often than prescribed, or change the type or dose of insulin you are using without checking with your doctor. Do not miss a Levemir dose.
Consuming alcohol, including beer and wine, may increase and lengthen the risk of low blood sugar when you take Levemir. Do not drink alcohol without discussing it first with your doctor.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Levemir?
If Levemir is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Levemir with the following: albuterol, antidiabetes drugs, blood pressure medications in a class known as ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, certain cholesterol drugs (fibrates), clonidine, corticosteroids, danazol, disopyramide, diuretics (water pills), epinephrine, estrogens, fluoxetine, guanethidine, isoniazid, antidepressants in a class known as MAO inhibitors, octreotide, birth control pills, propoxyphene, reserpine, salicylates, somatropin, sulfonamide antibiotics, terbutaline, and thyroid hormones.What are the possible side effects of Levemir?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.Side effects may include: allergic reactions/injection-site reactions, low blood sugar, rash, weight gain
Signs of low blood sugar: sweating, dizziness, shakiness, hunger, fast heartbeat, blurred vision, headache, trouble concentrating. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away.
Can I receive Levemir if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Before taking Levemir, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. There is a risk of Levemir causing harm to your unborn baby, or passing through your breast milk.What should I do if I miss a dose of Levemir?
It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Do not miss any doses. Ask your doctor for specific instructions to follow in case you ever miss a dose of insulin.How should I store Levemir?
Keep all disposable PenFill cartridges and vials away from direct heat and sunlight. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how you should store this medication.
I'm Beth Isaac, PharmD. Welcome to PDR Health!
