Levemir: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

Uses of Levemir

What is Levemir?

Levemir is an artificial insulin that is used to help control blood sugar in diabetic patients, both type one and type two diabetes. Insulin is a natural hormone in the human body that functions to hold the body's cells in order to enter glucose and break it down into energy. In diabetic patients, insulin is usually not produced in the right amount to help break down glucose. That is why additional insulin assistance is needed to keep blood sugar levels in normal conditions.

Blood sugar control balanced with a proper diet and exercise program can help prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, amputations, and problems with sexual function. Proper blood sugar control can also help people with diabetes reduce their risk of heart attack and stroke.

Levemir contains insulin detemir as its main composition. This insulin is insulin that is long acting and work for 24 hours. That way, blood sugar levels can be more stable to stay within normal limits.

Its use can be combined with insulin short acting or with other oral diabetes drugs, such as metformin. Levemir can also be used as a sole therapy in diabetes.

Rules of use for Levemir

Always read the instructions for use provided on the packaging or as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Levemir is an artificial insulin that is used by injecting it into the subcutaneous tissue (also known as the tissue under the skin). Inject these into your body exactly as your doctor instructs you to.

Usually, this insulin is injected twice a day or as directed by your doctor. Levemir injection is generally done in the morning and at dinner, at bedtime, or 12 hours after the first dose.

Before injecting, clean the injection area with alcohol. Make sure that your injection area is dry when you are about to do the injection. The injection can be given in the area of ​​the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject it directly into a vein or muscle as this will cause a drastic drop in blood sugar.

Change the point of injection each time you inject. Avoid injecting at the same point twice in a row to avoid the risk of lipodystrophy (thickening of the fat tissue, which will interfere with insulin absorption).

Before injecting, check the insulin liquid that is in the vial bottle (small bottle). Make sure Levemir is free of solid particles and is clear, aka colorless. Do not use insulin that has changed color or looks cloudy. Do not inject cold insulin into your body as it will be painful. Do not shake insulin as this can cause a change in dose due to bubbles that appear.

Your doctor may combine Levemir with other insulin which has a shorter service life. If that's the case, don't mix the two insulin in one syringe. Do not mix Levemir or any insulin. Give them both in separate injections.

Always use a new needle when you are about to make an injection. Do not share syringes or injection pens with other people, even if the needles have been changed. Sharing syringes increases the risk of disease transmission or infection.

The dosage given takes into account your health condition and your body's response to treatment. Make sure that you have measured the dose properly because overdosing, even if only a little, could have a big impact on the condition of your blood sugar. Do not change your dose or stop medication without discussing it with your doctor.

Use this remedy regularly to achieve maximum results. Take it at the same time each time to help you remember. It will also give you the best effect of the treatment. If your condition does not improve or even gets worse, contact your doctor immediately. You may need to adjust your dose or change your medication.

What are the Levemir storage rules?

Store this insulin in a place away from heat and direct light. Do not store insulin in a humid place, such as the bathroom. Do not transfer insulin from the bottle to the syringe if you are not already getting the injection.

The best way to store insulin products is to refrigerate them, but do not freeze them. Do not place insulin close to the cooling components in the refrigerator. Discard any insulin that has frozen. You cannot use frozen insulin which is then thawed.

Stores the unopened Levemir

• Store in the refrigerator until it expires
• Store at room temperature below 30 degrees Celsius and use within 42 days

Save the already opened Levemir

• Store the insulin bottle in the refrigerator or room temperature and use it within 42 days
• If you are using Levemir in an injection pen, store the injection pen at room temperature (do not store it in the refrigerator) and use it within 42 days. Discard the injection pen when it has been more than 42 days even if there is insulin remaining. Do not store the injection pen with the needle still attached

Discard this product if it has expired or is no longer used. Do not flush into the toilet or drain unless instructed to do so. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of this product.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the Levemir dosage for adults with type 1 diabetes?

Initial dose: 1/3 of daily insulin requirement, once daily or in divided doses, twice daily. Typically, the dosage range applies: 0.5 - 1 unit / kg / day in divided doses.

Non-obesity may require 0.4 - 0.6 units / kg / day

Obese patients may need 0.6 - 1.2 units / kg / day

If you are taking the Levemir injection once a day, have it at dinner or at bedtime. Levemir injection twice a day is done in the morning and at night. The second dose can be given at dinner, at bedtime, or at least 12 hours after the first dose.

What is the Levemir dosage for adults with type 2 diabetes?

Patients who are not yet dependent on insulin

Initial dose: 10 units (or 0.1 - 0.2 units / kg), once daily or in divided doses twice daily

Patients who have received insulin

Initial dose: 10 units, once a day

What is the Levemir dosage for children?

Safety and effectiveness have not been determined for children younger than two years.

For children two years or older: 1/3 of the total daily insulin requirement.

Maintenance dose for adolescents: maximum 1.2 units / kg / day during growth spurt

In what dosages and preparations is Levemir available?

Injection, Subcutaneous: Levemir FlexPen 100 IU / mL; Levemir vial 100 units / mL)

Side effects

What side effects may occur due to consumption of Levemir?

An irritant reaction at the injection point, such as pain and redness and swelling of the feet and hands, may occur. Call your doctor if these conditions persist or get worse. Hypoglycemia can also occur, especially if you are taking other diabetes medications or don't get enough calories or do strenuous activities that day.

Tell your doctor if you notice symptoms of low electrolyte levels in the body, which are marked by cramps in the legs, constipation, irregular heartbeats, palpitations, increased thirst and excessive urination, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, or feeling of weakness.

You may also get an allergic reaction as a side effect of taking this drug, although in rare cases. Tell your doctor right away if you find signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as itching, reddish rash, swelling of the face / eyes / lips / tongue / throat area, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

Stop treatment and contact your doctor immediately if you find the symptoms above. Not everyone experiences the side effects listed above. Not all side effects are listed above. Consult your doctor if you have concerns about the risk of side effects that can occur.

Warnings and Precautions

What should I know before taking Levemir?

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to insulin detemir or other insulin. Also inform if you have allergies to other drugs. Levemir may contain other ingredients that have the potential to cause an allergic reaction
• Tell your doctor about any medical history you have, including past or current illnesses, especially if you have adrenal / pituitary gland problems, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetic ketoacidosis or thyroid gland problems.
• Tell your doctor if you are also taking pioglitazone or rosiglitazone. Certain drugs taken at the same time as Levemir can increase your risk of serious heart problems
• If you are going to have a surgical procedure, such as dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about the use of all the medicines you are taking, including Levemir.
• If you are going to a place with a different time zone, ask your doctor about how to adjust your insulin schedule. Bring more insulin
• Parents and children may be more sensitive to hypoglycemia when using this medicine
• Tell your doctor if you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant and need blood sugar control. Your doctor may provide alternative treatment

Is Levemir safe for pregnant and lactating women?

Animal studies have shown no detrimental effect of the drug on the fetus. However, there has not been adequate research regarding the risks of using Levemir in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This drug is included in the risk of pregnancy category B (no risk in some studies) according to the Food and Drug Administration, United States.

Drug Interactions

What medicines may interact with Levemir?

Tell your doctor about all the products you use, including prescription / non-prescription drugs, vitamins, or herbal products. Certain drugs can interact if they are taken at the same time. Drug interactions can cause the drug to not work optimally or increase the risk of side effects. However, your doctor may prescribe the two drugs at the same time if needed.

The following are some of the medications that may interact with the insulin detemir in Levemir:

• Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon)
• Liraglutide (Victoza)
• Rosiglitazone
• Oral diabetes medications, especially Metformin (Glucophage, Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Glucovance, Janumet, Jentadueto, Kombiglyze, Metaglip, or Prandimet)
• The use of certain drugs can also make it difficult to check low blood sugar levels. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs.
• Asthma medication
• Lowering cholesterol
• Heart or blood pressure medications, including diuretics
• Medicine for psychiatric disorders
• Steroids
• Sulfa drugs
• Thyroid medication

The above list is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with Levemir. Tell your doctor about all the drugs you take to prevent drug interactions.

Overdose

What should I do if I overdose?

Levemir overdose can be serious hypoglycemia characterized by fainting or difficulty breathing. Get medical emergency help right away (119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department if you notice symptoms of an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose due to too low blood sugar can include drowsiness, blurred vision, sweating, body shaking, loss of consciousness, seizures and a fast heartbeat.

What if I forget my injection schedule?

Talk to your doctor about steps you should take if you forget your scheduled injections. It is very important to follow a well-defined schedule of injections. Always have insulin with you wherever you go and refill it before your medication runs out.