Common Side Effects

Being administered by use of the Flex Pen, an injection delivery system, the most common side effects of using Levemir are usually associated with the injection area. Minor skin trauma through injection may result in injection site irritation, redness, swelling, and itching. Frequent use may also result in thickened skin or pits at usual injection sites.

Serious Side Effects

Sudden and severe low blood sugar can lead to hypoglycemia, which may be characterized by the following symptoms: sudden rash in areas or all over the body, difficulty in breathing, elevated heart rate, profuse or unnatural sweating, shakiness, confusion or disorientation, and headaches. These symptoms, combined with other factors, may result in unconsciousness, seizures, and even death.

How It Works

Levemir may be injected under the skin of the stomach area, or in the area of the upper arms or thighs. Take care not to inject it into a vein or into the muscle. It may be injected using the Levemir Flex Pen, which is a prefilled, dial-a-dose pen injection. Around the size of an average fountain pen, allowing it to fit neatly in your pocket or purse, the Flex Pen can be used for up to 42 days without refrigeration, or in temperatures below 86ºF, allowing it to be conveniently stored even at the bedside table. Levemir, however, is not recommended to be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis. Use Levemir and the Flex Pen only as prescribed by the doctor. Do not change the recommended dosage. Do not self inject if the instructions of use are not clear or fully understood. Levemir insulin therapy has been documented to help reduce blood sugar levels in just over 24 hours.

Important Information

Do not dilute or mix Levemir with any other insulin or injectable diabetes medications. Do not use an insulin pump to administer Levemir. Check blood sugar levels regularly and monitor for any kind of variance and inform your doctor of any such. Avoid any kind of alcohol intake as this may affect blood sugar levels. Be aware of the onset of possible hypoglycemia as characterized by the symptoms. Driving or operating heavy machinery may be hazardous when symptoms of hypoglycemia such as dizziness, disorientation or unconsciousness manifest. Weight gain has been known to be a common issue when undergoing insulin therapy. Consult with your doctor to see if any weight variations can be attributed to the insulin therapy or due to some other factor.

Generic Alternatives

The generic name of Levemir is insulin detemir recombinant – injectable; subcutaneous. Currently, there is no generic version of Levemir available in the US.