What is Levemir: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan 13, 2021  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Levemir overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Levemir, Levemir FlexTouch, Levemir FlexTouch

Generic Names:

  • Levemir

Uses:

  • Treats diabetes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidiabetic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Levemir used for?

Levemir is a member of the insulin drug class. It is long-acting and it is used in the treatment of Diabetes type 2 in adults and Diabetes type 1 in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Levemir works by lowering the glucose levels in the blood. Consult your primary care physician for more details.

What form(s) does Levemir come in

  • Injectable

What are common Levemir doses?

  • Vial 10ML of 100UNIT/ML

Common Levemir prescriptions

  • Levemir
    10ml vial

How to take Levemir

  • Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions.

  • Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • If you use insulin once a day, it is best to use it at about the same time every day.

  • Opened medicine: Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat. Use within 42 days.Pen: Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Do not store with the needle attached. Throw away any opened pen after 42 days.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Unopened medicine: Store the unopened vials or pens in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze.If you cannot refrigerate your unopened medicine, you may store it at room temperature in a cool place away from direct heat and light for 42 days.

  • Do not mix this insulin with any other type of insulin. The insulin should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy or colored.

  • Check the label before use. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to. If you use a pump or other device, make sure the insulin is made for that device.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If you use a syringe, use only the kind that is made for insulin injections. Some insulin must be given with a specific type of syringe or needle. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.

  • Unopened medicine: Store the unopened vials or pens in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze.If you cannot refrigerate your unopened medicine, you may store it at room temperature in a cool place away from direct heat and light for 42 days.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine. If you use a syringe, use only the kind that is made for insulin injections. Some insulin must be given with a specific type of syringe or needle. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure which one to use.

  • Check the label before use. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to. If you use a pump or other device, make sure the insulin is made for that device.

  • If you use insulin once a day, it is best to use it at about the same time every day.

  • Opened medicine: Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat. Use within 42 days.Pen: Store at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Do not store with the needle attached. Throw away any opened pen after 42 days.

  • Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask the doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have questions.

  • Do not mix this insulin with any other type of insulin. The insulin should be clear and colorless. Do not use it if it is cloudy or colored.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.

Levemir contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin detemir.

Levemir warnings

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the bloodFluid retention or heart failure (when used with thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure.

  • Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other illnesses from one person to another.

Levemir interactions

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other illnesses from one person to another.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.

Levemir side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing, tiredness

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, uneven heartbeat

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Redness, itching, swelling, or skin changes where the shot was given

  • Stomach pain, nausea

  • Cough, runny or stuff nose, sore throat, body aches