Levemir is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
Studies have shown that once- or twice-daily Levemir works similarly to once- or twice-daily NPH insulin (an intermediate-acting insulin) in adults and children with
type 1 diabetes and in adults with type 2 diabetes. Studies have also shown that twice-daily Levemir works similarly to once-daily
insulin glargine (
Lantus®), a long-acting insulin, in adults with type 1 diabetes.
More importantly, studies seem to suggest that people may gain less weight with Levemir, compared to those using Lantus or NPH insulin, although further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
Levemir is a form of insulin, which is a hormone that is naturally produced by the
pancreas. This hormone is important for several functions, such as controlling blood sugar. Insulin helps the cells of your body remove glucose ("sugar") from your bloodstream. This sugar fuels your body's cells, giving them the energy they need to work properly and repair themselves.
Normally, your body is able to maintain proper levels of sugar in your blood and inside your cells. However, in people with
type 1 diabetes (and sometimes
type 2 diabetes), the pancreas has trouble making insulin. This causes too much sugar to accumulate in the blood. Too much sugar can also accumulate in the blood if your body has trouble responding to normal levels of insulin, as is common in type 2
diabetes. Over time, high levels of sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems in the eyes, feet, hands, kidneys, and heart.
You may need to take insulin if your pancreas has trouble making enough insulin, which is the case in people with type 1 diabetes and in some people who have type 2 diabetes.
Levemir is a long-acting insulin medication. Two different characteristics make it a long-acting medication. First, after the drug is injected, it is slowly released from the injection site into the bloodstream. Second, once it reaches the bloodstream, the medication binds to a blood protein known as albumin. Both of these characteristics contribute to the long duration of Levemir. As a long-acting insulin, Levemir helps to work as a "basal" insulin, which means it provides a steady background level of insulin to help control blood sugar throughout the day. For controlling a spike in blood sugar levels after meals, other types of insulins may need to be used in addition to Levemir.
When and How to Take Levemir
General considerations for when and how to take Levemir include the following:
- This diabetes medication comes in injectable form. It is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) once or twice a day.
- Levemir comes in vials or in a pen device (the FlexPen®). To use the FlexPen, you will need specific types of needles known as "pen needles." Each time you inject Levemir, you need to use a new needle. To use Levemir from the vial, you will need insulin syringes (with needles).
- Your healthcare provider should show you exactly how to inject Levemir. It can be injected into the skin and fat layer of the abdomen (stomach), upper arm, or thigh. Choose one of these three areas, and rotate injection sites within your chosen area (but do not rotate between different areas, as Levemir may be absorbed differently from various areas).
- Because Levemir is a solution, not a suspension, you don't need to shake or swirl it.
- Never mix Levemir with any other insulin in the same syringe.
- For this diabetes drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it. Make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels as your healthcare provider recommends.
Dosing Information
The dose of Levemir your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your current dose of other insulins
- Your weight
- How you respond to Levemir (especially as measured by your blood sugar levels)
- Other medications you are taking
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As with any medication, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Levemir. However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Possible side effects of Levemir include, but are not limited to
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- A skin reaction at the injection site
- Thickening or pitting of the skin at the injection site
- Low blood potassium levels (hypokalemia).
(Click Levemir Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Levemir
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Levemir if you have:
- An insulin pump
- Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
- Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose of Levemir?
People who take too much Levemir (or any other insulin) may experience symptoms such as:
- Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
- Fainting
- Shakiness
- A fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Seizures
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much Levemir, seek immediate medical attention.
Unopened Levemir vials and FlexPens should be stored in the refrigerator. It is best to keep the vials refrigerated once they are opened, although they may be kept at room temperature (less than 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Once you start using a FlexPen, you must not keep it in the refrigerator. Both the vials and FlexPen are good for up to 42 days once they are opened, after which you must discard any unused portion.
Levemir is available in the following forms:
- Levemir vials -- 10 mL, with 100 units of insulin per mL
- Levemir FlexPens -- 3 mL per pen, with 100 units of insulin per mL.
To use the FlexPen, you must obtain pen needles (such as NovoFine® 30 or 31 gauge single-use needles). You will need a prescription for pen needles, and they can be purchased at most pharmacies. To use the vials, you will need insulin syringes, which generally come with needles attached. You may or may not need a prescription for insulin syringes, depending on the laws of your particular state and the dispensing practices of your particular pharmacy.
At this time, Levemir is not available in generic form
(see Generic Levemir).
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