Levemir (Insulin Detemir) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 8, 2012

Levemir

Diabetes Prescription Insulin Medications »

What is the diabetes medication insulin and how does it work?

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by certain cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. When we eat and absorb food, glucose levels rise and insulin is released.

Some people can't make insulin; those people are said to have type 1 diabetes. A person with type 2 diabetes can make insulin, but the body doesn't respond well to insulin; they are said to have â€œinsulin resistance.â€

For what conditions is the diabetes medication insulin used?

Insulin is always necessary for type 1 diabetes because the body has no internal source of insulin. People with type 2 diabetes may also need insulin, particularly those who have difficulty controlling their diabetes with oral medications.

Are there differences among types of insulin?

Insulins differ based on three ...

Read the Diabetes Prescription Insulin Medications article »

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LEVEMIR®
(insulin detemir [rDNA origin]) Injection

DRUG DESCRIPTION

LEVEMIR® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) is a sterile solution of insulin detemir for use as an injection. Insulin detemir is a long-acting basal insulin analog, with up to 24 hours duration of action, produced by a process that includes expression of recombinant DNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae followed by chemical modification.

Insulin detemir differs from human insulin in that the amino acid threonine in position B30 has been omitted, and a C14 fatty acid chain has been attached to the amino acid B29. Insulin detemir has a molecular formula of C₂₆₇H₄₀₂O₇₆N₆₄S₆ and a molecular weight of 5916.9. It has the following structure:

LEVEMIR® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) Structural Formula Illustration

LEVEMIR (insulin detemir) is a clear, colorless, aqueous, neutral sterile solution. Each milliliter of LEVEMIR contains 100 U (14.2 mg/mL) insulin detemir.

Each milliliter of LEVEMIR (insulin detemir) 10 mL Vial contains the inactive ingredients 65.4 mcg zinc, 2.06 mg m-cresol, 30.0 mg mannitol, 1.80 mg phenol, 0.89 mg disodium phosphate dihydrate, 1.17 mg sodium chloride, and water for injection. Each milliliter of LEVEMIR (insulin detemir) 3 mL PenFill® cartridge, FlexPen™ and InnoLet® contains the inactive ingredients 65.4 mcg zinc, 2.06 mg m-cresol, 16.0 mg glycerol, 1.80 mg phenol, 0.89 mg disodium phosphate dihydrate, 1.17 mg sodium chloride, and water for injection.

Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH. LEVEMIR (insulin detemir) has a pH of approximately 7.4.

What are the possible side effects of insulin detemir (Levemir, Levemir FlexPen)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of insulin allergy: itching skin rash over the entire body, wheezing, trouble breathing, fast heart rate, sweating, or feeling like you might pass out.

Call your doctor if you have a serious side effect such as:

swelling in your hands or feet; or
low potassium (confusion, uneven heart rate, extreme thirst, increased urination, leg discomfort, muscle weakness or limp feeling).

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar,...

Read All Potential Side Effects and See Pictures of Levemir »

What are the precautions when taking insulin detemir (Levemir)?

Before using insulin detemir, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other types of insulins; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: adrenal/pituitary gland problems, infection (especially with diarrhea or vomiting), kidney disease, liver disease, nerve problems (e.g., diabetic neuropathy), thyroid problems.

You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Do not drive, use...

Read All Potential Precautions of Levemir »

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/16/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.