Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk India Pvt Ltd
Salt Composition : Insulin detemir(100IU)
Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen can be prescribed by itself or along with a fast-acting type of insulin or other diabetes medicines. Your doctor or nurse will teach you the correct way of injecting it under the skin. You should use this medicine regularly as per the dose advised to get the most benefit. If you stop taking it your blood sugar levels may rise very high and put you at risk of serious complications. It is only a part of the treatment program that should also include a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction as advised by your doctor.
The most common side effect of this medicine is low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). To prevent this, it is important to always inject the correct dose of medicine only, have regular meals, and monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. Drinking excessive alcohol can also lead to a fall in your blood sugar levels. Other side effects include allergy at the injection site like redness, swelling, or pain. Some people may even gain weight while taking insulin.
Do not use this medicine when you have low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney, liver or heart problems before starting treatment. It is generally regarded as safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women, if it has been prescribed by a doctor.
Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen is a long-acting insulin that provides consistent, all-day sugar control. It works like your body's natural insulin. Insulin facilitates reuptake of sugar in muscle and fat cells and also suppresses the production of sugar in the liver.
Insulin detemir has a slow and prolonged absorption and a relatively constant concentration/time profile over 24 hours with no pronounced peak. The median time to maximum serum insulin concentration was 12 hours after injection. On average, serum insulin concentrations declined to baseline by approximately 24 hours.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Levemir
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose level)
Injection site allergic reaction
Too much insulin detemir can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Low blood sugar also can occur if you use insulin detemir with another antidiabetic medicine, changes in insulin regimen (eg, insulin strength, type of insulin, injection site), delay or miss a meal or snack, exercise more than usual, or drink alcohol.
Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen.
Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Insulin detemir is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Empagliflozin is combined with Insulin detemir. The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Enalapril is combined with Insulin detemir. The risk or severity of hypoglycemia can be increased when Enalaprilat is combined with Insulin detemir.
Store in a refrigerator (2 - 8°C). Do not freeze.
If you miss a dose of Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
This medicine should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) at the same time every day, as advised by your doctor.
Injection below the skin of the abdomen results in faster absorption than other injection sites.
Injection sites must be rotated to prevent hard lumps from developing at one site.
Do not use if the preparation is no longer clear and colorless or if it contains particles.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) is a common side effect. Learn how to identify and manage its symptoms (sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, headache) and teach your family as well.
Opened vials/cartridges stay good at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials must be placed in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).
Your doctor or nurse will guide you how to use this medicine.
Q. What kind of insulin is Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen?
Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen is a long-acting, man-made version of human insulin. It has a long and steady blood-sugar-lowering action. This helps to control blood sugar levels for an entire day. It is used to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, adolescents, and children aged 1 year and above.
Q. How is Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen administered?
Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen is injected just below the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will train you on the correct method and the areas (abdomen or stomach, thighs, arms, hips or buttocks) where you should inject it. It is advised that the site of injection should be changed within the chosen area of skin, for every dose. For example, if you have been advised to inject it into the skin of your stomach, avoid puncturing the same point on your stomach every day. Rather, inject the needle at a site that is slightly away, say around 1cm, from the previous injection. You can also consider switching sides while injecting, like choosing the right side on one day and the left side on the next day. This way, you can reduce the complications associated with repeated injections in the same site such as thickening of the fat tissue below the skin known as lipodystrophy, irritation, pain etc. After one to two weeks, you should move to another area of your body (eg. from the stomach to the arms or thighs) as advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor if you face any problems while injecting Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen.
Q. Can I take Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen twice a day?
Use Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor. Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen is a long-acting type of insulin and may be taken once or twice a day. Your dose will depend on your blood sugar levels and blood sugar control after taking Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen. Your doctor will inform you in case two doses are required in a day. Follow your doctor's instructions while taking Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen. It can be taken at any time of the day, but try to take it at the same time each day.
Q. What will happen if I accidentally inject more than the recommended dose of Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen?
If you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose of Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen, your blood sugar levels may become too low (hypoglycemia). This hypoglycemia may be mild or severe. Monitor your blood sugar levels more frequently for the next 24 hours. Mild episodes of hypoglycemia (with symptoms like anxiety, sweating, weakness, tremors, fast heartbeat) can usually be corrected with the help of sugary foods such as sugar candy, fruit juice and glucose/glucon-D. However, it is important to consult your doctor to decide the further course of treatment. More severe episodes of hypoglycemia may even lead to a seizure (fit) or unconsciousness. This can be life-threatening and the patient should be rushed to an emergency.
