Precautions
Levemir can be taken either once or twice a day. If you have type 1 diabetes, you’ll take it along with a mealtime insulin. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may or may not take Levemir along with a mealtime insulin. If your doctor prescribes Levemir to be taken once a day, take it with dinner or at bedtime.
How should I take Levemir?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Levemir to treat certain conditions. Levemir is approved to lower blood sugar levels in adults and children ages 2 years and older with type 1 diabetes.
Is Levemir approved by the FDA?
Your insurance plan may require a prior authorization before approving coverage for Levemir. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug.
Will my insurance plan cover Levemir?
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Follow your doctor's instructions about using Levemir if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Controlling diabetes is very important during pregnancy, and having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.
Can I use Levemir If I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
How do you get prescribed Levemir?
For type 2 diabetes, the usual starting dosage of Levemir is 10 units once per day in the evening. Or your doctor may prescribe a dose that's based on your body weight in kg. The usual dosage range is 0.1 units/kg to 0.2 units/kg once per day in the evening.
What can I use instead of Levemir?
Is Levemir or Lantus right for me?Both Levemir and Lantus are great options for long-acting insulin therapy. They are equally effective for managing blood sugar levels.Check which brand your insurance covers. ... If you don't have insurance, Lantus might be a better option as its cost is lower than Levemir.
How much is Levemir at Walgreens?
The average price of 1, 10ML of 100UNIT/ML Solution is approximately $380.83 for one vial....Average 12 Month Prices for Levemir.PharmacyLevemir Retail PriceLevemir SingleCare PriceWalgreens$434.44$293.00Kroger Pharmacy$389.00$245.534 more rows
How much does Levemir cost per month?
Your monthly Levemir Flextouch cost savings if eligibleStrengthAvg. monthly price at a US pharmacyNiceRx monthly price100 units/ml 3ml - 5 flextouch pens$490.00$49.00
How long does it take for Levemir to lower blood sugar?
How long does it take for Levemir (insulin detemir) to start working? It starts working several hours after injection and continues working for up to 24 hours. Most people will only need to inject Levemir (insulin detemir) once daily.
Why do you take Levemir at night?
When taken once a day, Levemir, a long-acting insulin, is supposed to be taken with your last meal or at bedtime. This serves to provide better blood glucose control while sleeping.
How many pens are in a box of Levemir?
Levemir FlexPen 100U/ml Prefilled Insulin 3ml Pen - Box of 5 Pens.
Can you get insulin over the counter?
The three main types of over-the-counter insulin are regular insulin (short-acting), NPH (intermediate-acting), and a premixed combination of NPH and regular called 70-30, says Trujillo. Walmart sells all three types under the ReliOn brand umbrella for roughly $25 a vial.
Is there a generic version of Levemir?
Levemir (insulin detemir) is an expensive drug used to treat diabetes mellitus, including diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. There is currently no generic alternative for Levemir. It is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
Does insurance cover Levemir?
Yes, Levemir is covered by most insurance plans, but there is a catch. Most plans require that patients submit a prior authorization form or complete step therapy before they will cover the drug. You can learn more about these restrictions here, but in essence, they make getting your drug more complicated.
How much is 100 units of Levemir?
1 ml of the solution contains 100 units insulin detemir* (equivalent to 14.2 mg).
Which is cheaper Lantus or Levemir?
Levemir Vs Lantus: Formulations and Cost Levemir costs approximately $291 for a 10ml vial containing 100 units/ml of Insulin detemir ($29 per ml). Lantus costs approximately $135 for a 10ml vial containing 100 units/ml of Insulin glargine ($13.54 per ml); however, cost can vary up to $27 per mL.
Is Lantus and Levemir the same thing?
Official answer. Levemir (detemir) and Lantus (glargine) are both long acting insulins and no difference has been found in their efficacy however, weight gain and night-time hypoglycemia appear to be less with Levemir.
Can you substitute Lantus for Levemir?
Lantus and Levemir are both long-acting insulins that work in similar ways. They are different however, and are not interchangeable. If your doctor has prescribed either Levemir or Lantus to you, you should take the one prescribed and not substitute one for the other.
Is NovoLog and Levemir the same?
Levemir (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) and NovoLog (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) are used to treat diabetes in adults and children. Levemir is a long-acting human insulin analog and is a rapid-acting form of insulin. NovoLog is usually given together with another long-acting insulin.
Is there a generic for Levemir?
Levemir (insulin detemir) is an expensive drug used to treat diabetes mellitus, including diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. There is currently no generic alternative for Levemir. It is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but manufacturer and pharmacy coupons can help offset the cost.
Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use Levemir if you are allergic to insulin detemir, or if you are having an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Levemir should...
How Should I Use Levemir?
Use Levemir exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller a...
Levemir Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose of Levemir for Diabetes Type 1:Dose should be individualized based on clinical response; this basal insulin should be used in regi...
What Happens If I Miss A Dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of Levemir. Keep insulin on hand at all times. Get your prescription refilled before you run o...
What Happens If I Overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia. Symptoms...
What Should I Avoid While Using Levemir?
Insulin can cause low blood sugar. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.Avoid medication errors by...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Levemir?
Many other medicines can affect your blood sugar, and some medicines can increase or decrease the effects of insulin. Some drugs can also cause you...
What should I avoid while using Levemir?
Insulin can cause low blood sugar. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
What is Levemir?
Levemir ( insulin detemir) is a man-made form of insulin, a hormone that is produced in the body. Insulin works by lowering levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Where is Levemir injected?
Levemir is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Does Levemir cause leg cramps?
low potassium - leg cramps, constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest, increased thirst or urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness or limp feeling. Common Levemir side effects include: thickening or hollowing of the skin where you injected the medicine.
Can Levemir cause a rash?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Levemir: redness or swelling where an injection was given, itchy skin rash over the entire body, trouble breathing, fast heartbeats, feeling like you might pass out, or swelling in your tongue or throat.
Can Levemir interfere with other medications?
Many other drugs can potentially interfere with the effects of Levemir. It is extremely important that you tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
Can you take Levemir with insulin?
Warnings. You should not use Levemir if you are allergic to insulin detemir, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with a short-acting insulin). Never share a Levemir injection pen or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
What are the forms of Levemir?
Levemir is a medication that you inject under your skin. It’s a liquid solution that comes in two forms:
What factors might make a twice-daily dosage of Levemir better than a once-daily dosage?
For some people, twice-daily dosing of Levemir may help to manage blood sugar levels better than once-daily dosing.
What strength does Levemir come in?
Levemir comes in one strength of 100 units of insulin detemir per ml (units/ml ). This strength of insulin is abbreviated as “U-100.”
What is sliding-scale dosage? And should I use this sort of dosing method with Levemir?
But a sliding scale should not be used with Levemir.
Is there a maximum dose per injection of Levemir?
Levemir FlexTouch pen has a dial that you’ll set to your dose before each injection. The dial goes up to a maximum dose of 80 units per injection.
How many units of Levemir insulin are in a box?
One box of Levemir ® FlexTouch ® contains 5 disposable pens, each prefilled with 300 units of Levemir ® for a total of 1500 units of Levemir ® insulin. You’ll get 50% more insulin than you get from a vial (1000 units) Insurance coverage. Levemir ® FlexTouch ® is covered by most health insurance and Medicare plans nationwide.
Is Levemir good for diabetes?
You may have concerns about adding an injectable medicine to your daily routine. But it’s important to realize the positive effect it may have on the management of your diabetes. Once you gain a little practice, Levemir ® injections can become part of your daily routine.
Is Levemir an injectable medicine?
Taking Levemir ®. You may have concerns about adding an injectable medicine to your daily routine. But it’s important to realize the positive effect it may have on the management of your diabetes. Once you gain a little practice, Levemir ® injections can become part of your daily routine. See Instructions For Use ».
Does Levemir come in a vial?
Levemir ® also comes in a vial. If you prefer to take your insulin with a vial and syringe or if you need to receive your insulin in a vial for insurance reasons, Levemir ® is also available in a vial.
What is Levemir?
Levemir is the brand name for insulin detemir, which is a recombinant human insulin analog that mimics the action of the natural human hormone insulin. Insulin detemir differs slightly than the natural human hormone, however. The amino acid threonine in position B30 is omitted, and a C14 fatty acid chain has been attached to the amino acid B29.
Levemir Side Effects
Levemir may have side effects. The most common side effects of Levemir include hypoglycemia, hypersensitivity, and allergic reactions. Other side effects include respiratory tract infection, headache, influenza-like-illness, abdominal pain, and pharyngitis.
How many units of Levemir for diabetics?
Starting dose: When initiating Levemir ®, start insulin-naïve patients with type 2 diabetes on 10 units once-daily a dosage or 0.1 to 0.2 units/kg daily dosage with the evening meal or at bedtime and titrate accordingly. 2
Can you share a tresiba needle?
Never Share a Tresiba® FlexTouch® Pen, Needle, or Syringe Between Patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using Tresiba ® vials should never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens
Is Levemir insulin life threatening?
Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin, including Levemir ®, and may be life-threatening. Increase monitoring with changes to: insulin dose, co- administered glucose lowering medications, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with hypoglycemia unawareness or renal or hepatic impairment
Can Levemir be used for heart failure?
Patients treated with insulin, including Levemir ®, and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care, and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.
Can you share a Levemir syringe?
Never Share a Levemir® FlexTouch® Pen, Needle, or Syringe Between Patients: Levemir ® FlexTouch ® prefilled pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using Levemir ® vials should never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
Is Levemir good for diabetics?
Levemir ® is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Is Levemir contraindicated for hypersensitivity?
Hypersensitivity and Allergic Reactions: If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue Levemir ®; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve. Levemir ® is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin detemir or any of the excipients.
Where to mail Novo Nordisk application?
Fax the completed application and proof of income to 1-866-441-4190, or mail them to Novo Nordisk Inc., PO Box 370, Somerville, NJ 08876.
Does Novo Nordisk offer diabetes medicine?
Patients who are approved for the PAP may qualify to receive free diabetes medicine from Novo Nordisk. There is no registration charge or monthly fee for participating.
How long does Levemir last?
This means that the effect of insulin lasts longer than other types of insulin. Levemir specifically lasts up to 24 hours. Many long-acting insulins only need to be administered once a day. Your doctor may direct you to take the insulin either once in the morning, with an evening meal, or before bed-time.
What type of diabetic is Levemir?
Small doses of Levemir are usually prescribed for patients with type 1 diabetes. This is often accompanied by other types of insulin.
How long after taking Levemir can you split it?
The second dose should not be taken until it has been a full 12 hours since your first dose.
Why do people split Levemir?
The primary reason why many split their Levemir dose is to lengthen the dose and avoid a fading out effect. This allows for peak effectiveness throughout each day. This can bring about a more stabilized course of action than allowing the dose to fade out completely, as might be the case with a non-split dose.
Why do you split a med?
So, splitting up your dose, when you can predict a spike in blood sugar, can aid in better blood sugar control.
How much does prescription hope cost?
If you’re having trouble affording any of your medications, then Prescription Hope may be able to help. Enroll with us and see if you qualify to pay only $50 a month for each of your medications.
Do you have to split Levemir?
If you’re once-daily does works well for you and your diabetic condition, then the general rule is that you do not need to split your Levemir dose.
What Is Levemir (insulin Detemir)?
Levemir is the brand name for the prescription drug insulin detemir . It's used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Levemir is a long-acting insulin that lowers blood sugar by encouraging tissues to take excess glucose, discouraging the body from making more glucose, preventing the breakdown of fat and protein, and helping the body regulate levels of blood sugar. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Levemir in 2006. Novo Nordisk manufactures the drug. Levemir FlexTouch Levemir FlexTouch is an insulin pen syringe prefilled with Levemir. It's designed to make the drug easier to use. You should keep unopened Levemir FlexTouch in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. After opening, store it at room temperature no warmer than 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You should dispose of FlexTouch 42 days after opening, regardless of whether or not there is any left in the device. Levemir versus Lantus Levemir is similar to another man-made form of insulin, insuline glargine, which is sold under the brand name Lantus. Both drugs have similar side effects and have been to be effective at managing blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Talk to your doctor about which drug is better for you. Levemir Warnings You should not take Levemir if: You’re allergic to Levemir or any other ingredient in the drug Your blood sugar is low Talk to your doctor before taking Levemir if: You’re sick, stressed, or have an infection You have kidney or liver problems The potassium level in your blood is low Your doctor may lower your dose of Levemir if you are taking certain drugs, such as exenatide (Bydureon), liraglutide (Victoza), or albiglutide (Tanzeum). Levemir Storage You can store unopened vials of Levemir at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but toss a Continue reading >>
What is the rDNA origin of LEVEMIR?
LEVEMIR® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin]) Injection DESCRIPTION LEVEMIR® (insulin dete mir [rDNA origin] injection) is a sterile solution of insulin detemir for use as a subcutaneous injection. Insulin detemir is a long-acting (up to 24-hour duration of action) recombinant human insulin analog. LEVEMIR® is produced by a process that includes expression of recombinant DNA in Saccharomyces cerevisiae followed by chemical modification. Insulin detemir differs from human insulin in that the amino acid threonine in position B30 has been omitted, and a C14 fatty acid chain has been attached to the amino acid B29. Insulin detemir has a molecular formula of C267H402O76N64S6 and a molecular weight of 5916.9. It has the following structure: Figure 1: Structural Formula of insulin detemir LEVEMIR® is a clear, colorless, aqueous, neutral sterile solution. Each milliliter of LEVEMIR® contains 100 units (14.2 mg/mL) insulin detemir, 65.4 mcg zinc, 2.06 mg m-cresol, 16.0 mg glycerol, 1.80 mg phenol, 0.89 mg disodium phosphate dihydrate, 1.17 mg sodium chloride, and water for injection. Hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH. LEVEMIR® has a pH of approximately 7.4. Continue reading >>
How often should I take insulin mellitus?
Dosing & Uses Type I or II Diabetes Mellitus Once daily dosage: Administer SC with evening meal or at bedtime Twice daily dosage: Administer SC with morning meal and either with evening meal, at bedtime, or 12 hr after the morning dose Type 1 diabetes: Approximately one third of the total daily insulin requirements SC; rapid-acting or short-acting, premeal insulin should be used to satisfy the remainder of the daily insulin requirements; usual daily maintenance range is 0.5-1 unit/kg/day in divided doses; nonobese may require 0.4-0.6 unit/kg/day; obese may require 0.6-1.2 units/kg/day Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on oral medication: 10 units/day SC (or 0.1-0.2 unit/kg/day) in evening or divided q12hr Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on GLP-1 receptor agonist: 10 units/day SC given once daily in evening Subsequently adjust dose based on blood glucose measurements Conversion from other insulins If converting from insulin glargine: Change can be accomplished on a unit-to-unit basis If converting from NPH insulin: Change can be accomplished on a unit-to-unit basis; however, some patients with type 2 diabetes may require more insulin detemir than NPH insulin Closely monitor blood glucose during transition and in the initial weeks thereafter; concurrent rapid-acting or short-acting insulins or other concomitant antidiabetic treatment may require dose adjustment Dosing Considerations Dosage of human insulin, which is always expressed in USP units, must be based on the results of blood and urine glucose tests and must be carefully individualized to optimal effect Dose adjustments should be based on regular blood glucose testing Adjust to achieve appropriate glucose control Look for consistent pattern in blood sugars for >3 days Same time each day: Compare bloo Continue reading >>
Is Levemir a contraindication?
Levemir® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Levemir® or any of its excipients. Never Share a Levemir® FlexTouch® Between Patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Dosage adjustment and monitoring: Monitor blood glucose in all patients treated with insulin. Insulin regimens should be modified cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type, or method of administration may result in the need for a change in insulin dose or an adjustment of concomitant anti-diabetic treatment. Administration: Do not dilute or mix with any other insulin or solution. Do not administer subcutaneously via an insulin pump, intramuscularly, or intravenously because severe hypoglycemia can occur. Levemir® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. Levemir® is not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. Intravenous rapid-acting or short-acting insulin is the preferred treatment for this condition. Levemir® is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Levemir® or any of its excipients. Never Share a Levemir® FlexTouch® Between Patients, even if the needle is changed. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens. Dosage adjustment and monitoring: Monitor blood glucose in all patients treated with insulin. Insulin regimens should be modified cautiously and only under medical supervision. Changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type, or method of administration may result in the need for a change in the insulin dose or an adjustment of concomitant anti-diabetic treatment. Administration: Do not dilute or mix with any other insulin Continue reading >>
Can you administer Levemir subcutaneously?
Do not administer subcutaneously via an insulin pump, intramuscularly, or intravenously because severe hypoglycemia can occur. Levemir® (insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection) is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
How Do Novolin R and N Work?
According to Novo Nordisk’s FDA information sheet, Novolin R is a fast-acting insulin, and it starts working about 30 minutes after you inject it. Its most potent action is between 2.5 and 5 hours after you inject. Novolin N, on the other hand, is an intermediate-acting insulin, the effects of which begin 1.5 hours after you inject. The most potent action occurs between 4 and 12 hours after you’ve injected it.
How long does Novolin N take to work?
Its most potent action is between 2.5 and 5 hours after you inject. Novolin N, on the other hand, is an intermediate-acting insulin, the effects of which begin 1.5 hours after you inject. The most potent action occurs between 4 and 12 hours after you’ve injected it.
Can you get insulin without a prescription?
From what I can tell, most states allow you to get insulin without a prescription, but not all. Be aware that while you may not need a prescription, the insulin is still located behind the counter at the pharmacy and the pharmacist uses discretion in choosing to sell it. This is the case with syringes that can be purchased at many Walmart stores ...
Do you need a prescription for a newer insulin?
You are wrong. It depends upon the state. In most states a prescription is required for the newer insulins (Novolog/Humalog/Lantis), NOT ReliOn R or N.
