INSULIN DETEMIR

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levemir

GENERIC NAME(S): INSULIN DETEMIR

 

Description: Insulin detemir is a long-acting recombinant human insulin analogue. Slow systemic absorption and reversible binding to albumin may account for the prolonged duration of action of insulin detemir.

Insulin detemir is used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes with a proper diet and exercise program. Insulin detemir is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. It may also be used alone or with other diabetes drugs (such as metformin, exenatide).

How to use insulin detemir subcutaneous

Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist.

Learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package.

Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. Insulin detemir should be clear and colorless.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin and to avoid developing problems under the skin (lipodystrophy). Insulin detemir may be injected in the stomach area, the thigh, or the back of the upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur. Do not rub the area after the injection. Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, or itchy. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. The insulin container you are currently using can be kept at room temperature (see also Storage section). Do not shake the container.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once or twice daily. Insulin detemir is usually injected with the evening meal or at bedtime. If you are using it twice a day, inject as directed by your doctor, usually your first dose in the morning and your second dose with the evening meal, at bedtime, or 12 hours after the morning dose.

This product should not be mixed with any other insulin. Do not use insulin detemir in an infusion pump.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar levels.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of your results and share them with your doctor. This is very important in order to determine the correct insulin dose.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens (your blood sugar levels are too high or too low).

Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if Injection site reactions (such as pain, redness, irritation) and swelling of the hands/feet persist or worsen.

Tell your doctor right away if you have signs of low potassium level in the blood (such as muscle cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat).

This medication can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Your dosage may need to be increased if symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) occur. Tell your doctor immediately if these symptoms  occur:

  • thirst
  • increased urination
  • confusion
  • drowsiness
  • flushing
  • rapid breathing
  • fruity breath odor

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

  • Allergic reaction from this medication
  • Do not use this medication when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Patients with medical history of:
    • adrenal/pituitary gland problems
    • kidney disease
    • liver disease
    • thyroid problem
  • You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness
  • Limit alcohol while taking this medication
  • may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (such as due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery)
  • Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before having surgery.
  • Check your blood sugar readings before and after exercise
  • If traveling across time zones, ask about how to adjust your insulin schedule
  • Older adults and children may be more sensitive to low blood sugar.
  • Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes
  • Consult your doctor before breast-feeding

Consult your doctor regarding the precautions mentioned above.

 

Interactions

Rosiglitazone may interact with this drug.

Beta-blocker medications (such as metoprolol, propranolol, glaucoma eye drops such as timolol) may prevent the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia).

Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: signs of low blood sugar such as sweating, shakiness, loss of consciousness, fast heartbeat.

Notes

Do not share this medication, needles, or syringes with others.

Attend a diabetes education program to learn more about diabetes and the important aspects of its treatment, including medications, diet, exercise, and getting regular eye/foot/medical exams.

Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and how to treat low blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed.

Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments. Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver and kidney function tests, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, complete blood counts) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects.

Keep extra supplies of insulin, syringes, and needles on hand.

Missed Dose

It is very important to follow your insulin regimen exactly. Ask your doctor ahead of time what you should do if you miss a dose of insulin.

Storage

It is best to refrigerate all unopened insulin products. Unopened insulin aspart may also be stored at room temperature, but it must be thrown away after 28 days. Opened insulin aspart vials may be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Opened insulin aspart cartridges and prefilled pens can only be stored at room temperature and should not be refrigerated. Throw away all insulin aspart in use after 28 days, even if there is insulin left. Also throw away all insulin products after the expiration date on the package. Do not freeze and do not use insulin that has been frozen.

If using this drug in an insulin pump, do not store this drug in the pump for more than 6 days. Doing so may lead to ineffective treatment and high blood sugar. Do not expose the insulin in your pump to direct sunlight or temperatures above 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C).

Protect insulin from light and heat. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

 

Brands

Available Brands:

Levemir FlexPen [ Novo Nordisk ]

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