Insulin Detemir (Cont.)

When and How to Take Insulin Detemir

General considerations for when and how to take insulin detemir include the following:
 
  • This diabetes medication comes in injectable form. It is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) once or twice a day.
     
  • Insulin detemir comes in vials or in a pen device. To use the pen device, you will need specific types of needles known as "pen needles." Each time you inject insulin detemir, you need to use a new needle. To use insulin detemir from the vial, you will need insulin syringes with needles.
     
  • Your healthcare provider should show you exactly how to inject insulin detemir. 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. Do not rotate between different areas, as insulin detemir may be absorbed differently from various areas.
     
  • Because insulin detemir is a solution, not a suspension, you don't need to shake or swirl it.
     
  • Never mix insulin detemir with any other insulin in the same syringe.
     
  • For this diabetes drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Insulin detemir will not work if you stop taking it. Make sure to monitor your blood sugar levels as your healthcare provider recommends.
     

Who Makes Insulin Detemir?

Insulin detemir is manufactured by Novo Nordisk.
 

Strengths of Insulin Detemir

Insulin detemir is available in the following forms:
 
  • Insulin detemir vials -- 10 mL, with 100 units of insulin per mL
  • Insulin detemir pen devices -- 3 mL per pen, with 100 units of insulin per mL.
     
To use the pen device, 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 not need a prescription for insulin syringes, depending on the laws of your particular state and the dispensing practices of your particular pharmacy.
 
(Insulin Detemir Continued: Page 6)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;