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 insulin detemir, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of any other medical conditions you have and any other medications you are taking.

 

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). Insulin detemir is a long-acting 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.)
 

Insulin Detemir Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with insulin detemir. However, not everyone who uses the drug 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 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.)
 
(Insulin Detemir Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;