Levemir FlexTouch (see Insulin Detemir (By injection))

Insulin Detemir (By injection)

IN-su-lin DET-e-mir

Drug classes

Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Insulin detemir is a long-acting type of insulin. Insulin is one of many hormones that help the body turn the food we eat into energy. This is done by using the glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. Also, insulin helps us store energy that we can use later. When you have diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes), your body cannot make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. So, you must take additional insulin to regulate your blood sugar and keep your body healthy. This is very important as too much sugar in your blood can be harmful to your health.

Insulin detemir is a long-acting insulin that works slowly over 24 hours. You may have to use insulin detemir in combination with another type of insulin or with oral diabetes medicine to keep your blood sugar under control.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. If you use insulin once a day, it is best to use it at about the same time every day.

You will be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions.

This medicine should look clear and colorless before you use it. Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy or thick. Do not mix it with any other insulins.

You 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 this medicine in an infusion pump.

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

Levemir® vial (bottle): Use only a syringe that is made for insulin injections. Use a new syringe and needle each time you give yourself an injection.

Levemir® FlexPen® or FlexTouch®: Use a new needle each time you give an injection.

When you get a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct type.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Unopened medicine:

Store the unused insulin vials, FlexPen®, or FlexTouch® pen in the refrigerator. Protect from light. Do not freeze. If you cannot refrigerate your medicine, you may also store unused medicines at room temperature in a cool place away from direct heat and light for 42 days.

Opened medicine that is currently being used:

Vials: Store in the refrigerator or at room temperature in a cool place, away from sunlight and heat. Use within 42 days. FlexPen® or FlexTouch® pen: Keep it at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Do not store with the needle in place. Throw away any opened pen after 42 days.

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

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and medicines can affect how insulin detemir works. Tell your doctor if you are using aspirin, clonidine, clozapine, danazol, disopyramide, fluoxetine, glucagon, guanethidine, isoniazid, lithium, niacin, olanzapine, pentamidine, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, reserpine, or somatropin.

Also tell your doctor if you are using asthma medicine, a diuretic (water pill), blood pressure medicine, medicine to lower cholesterol, an MAO inhibitor, medicine to treat HIV or AIDS, steroid medicine, a phenothiazine medicine (such as chlorpromazine, promethazine, thioridazine, prochlorperazine), thyroid medicine, or birth control pills.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

When Not To Use

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

Warnings

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

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Low blood sugar Fluid retention or heart failure (when used with thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)

Never share insulin pens or cartridges with anyone. Shared needles or pens can pass hepatitis virus, HIV, and other illnesses from one person to another.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) may occur if you do not use this medicine correctly.

Your doctor may change your insulin dose for diet or activity changes, illness, pregnancy, or other conditions that may stress your body.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

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

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

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

Confusion, restlessness, headache, hunger, slurred speech, vision changes

Shaking, trembling, sweating, lightheadedness, fast or pounding heartbeat

Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

Trouble breathing, tiredness, or bluish-colored skin

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Redness, pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Levemir, Levemir FlexPen, Levemir FlexTouch

There may be other brand names for this medicine.