Insulin Detemir

Insulin detemir is a medication commonly prescribed to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes. As a long-acting insulin, it works to control blood sugar levels throughout the day. The medicine comes in injectable form and is taken once or twice a day. Before taking it, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of any other medical conditions you have and any other drugs you are taking.

Insulin Detemir Drug Information

What Is Insulin Detemir?

Insulin detemir (Levemir^®) is a prescription diabetes medication licensed to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). This medicine is a long-acting form of insulin, designed to be taken once or twice a day.

(Click What Is Insulin Detemir Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with insulin detemir. However, not everyone who uses the drug will experience problems. 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 treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious reactions are less common.

Possible side effects of insulin detemir 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 Side Effects of Insulin Detemir to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

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