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In this Article

• What is insulin detemir (Levemir)?
• What are the possible side effects of insulin detemir (Levemir)?
• What is the most important information I should know about insulin detemir (Levemir)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using insulin detemir (Levemir)?
• How should I use insulin detemir (Levemir)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Levemir)?
• What happens if I overdose (Levemir)?
• What should I avoid while using insulin detemir (Levemir)?
• What other drugs will affect insulin detemir (Levemir)?
• Where can I get more information?

What happens if I miss a dose (Levemir)?

Follow your doctor's directions if you miss a dose of insulin.

It is important to keep insulin detemir on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

What happens if I overdose (Levemir)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia.

Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia include extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, seizure (convulsions), or coma.

What should I avoid while using insulin detemir (Levemir)?

Do not change the brand of insulin detemir or syringe you are using without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Your blood sugar may become dangerously low if you drink alcohol while using insulin detemir.

What other drugs will affect insulin detemir (Levemir)?

Using certain medicines can make it harder for you to tell when you have low blood sugar. Tell your doctor if you use any of the following:

• albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin);
• clonidine (Catapres);
• reserpine;
• guanethidine (Ismelin); or
• beta-blockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), timolol (Blocadren), and others.

There are many other medicines that can increase or decrease the effects of insulin detemir on lowering your blood sugar. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about insulin detemir.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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