PRODUCT DETAILS

About Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen

INSULIN DETEMIR is long-acting insulin analogue which belongs to the category of medicines called 'anti-diabetic' primarily used for the management and treatment of  type 1 and type 2 diabetes, especially in persons whose sugar levels are too high and cannot be only controlled by dieting and exercising. It is used to improve the sugar levels in blood in persons dealing with diabetes mellitus in both children (above 2 years of age) and adults. Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It typically appears in adolescence. Type 2 diabetes is a condition that occurs when there is either less insulin or available insulin is not properly utilized by our body cells for lowering raised blood glucose. It is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for around 90% of total diabetes cases found commonly in middle-aged people. So it is also called adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). 

Uses of Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Medicinal Benefits of Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen

INSULIN DETEMIR belongs to the category of the anti-diabetic drug, indicated in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes . This medicine is primarily prescribed to persons whose blood sugar levels are high and is even not controlled by diet and exercise alone. The primary role of insulin and insulin analogs, including INSULIN DETEMIR, is glucose metabolism control. Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, particularly by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting liver glucose production. INSULIN DETEMIR works by ensuring rapid and consistent sugar control. INSULIN DETEMIR is a fast-acting form of insulin that helps lower blood sugar levels after the intake of food. Prevents the risk of having severe complications of diabetes. It stimulates the recovery of sugar in muscle and fat cells and thus suppresses the production of sugar in the liver. INSULIN DETEMIR helps in improving the glycaemic control which in turn decreases the risk of progression of complications of diabetes like damage of retina (retinopathy), damage of kidney (nephropathy), damage of nerve cells (neuropathy), delayed wound healing, diabetic foot ulcer, and others. Besides this, INSULIN DETEMIR can be safely prescribed to the diabetic mother in the pregnancy as well as lactation stage only after the doctor's recommendation.

Directions for Use

INSULIN DETEMIR is administered at least 15 minutes before a meal or 20 minutes after starting a meal in the abdomen or thigh region. It can be also given intravenously (IV) with 0.9% sodium chloride infusion. However subcutaneous injection of INSULIN DETEMIR in the abdomen region ensures faster absorption compared to other injection sites. INSULIN DETEMIR is usually given once or twice daily when both rapid and prolonged effect of insulin is desired. In the initial requirement. If you are not well trained to self-administer INSULIN DETEMIR, ask a healthcare professional to administer it. Procedure for self-injecting insulin: • You should wash your hand first before injecting insulin. • Then roll the insulin bottle and wipe the bottle top. • Now pull the plunger of the syringe down to an appropriate number of units your doctor has prescribed. • Push the needle into the bottle and push the syringe plunger down. • Now once again pull the plunger down to an appropriate number of units as prescribed by the doctor. • Pick the injection site and wipe it with an alcohol swab. Now, pinch up the skin and push the needle into the skin and then push the plunger in. • The needle should be kept under the skin for at least 6 seconds to make sure the entire dose is injected. • After injecting the insulin pull out the needle and dispose of the syringe safely. And then you can have a meal or snack

Side Effects of Levemir 100IU/ml Flexpen

Like all medicines, INSULIN DETEMIR can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects of INSULIN DETEMIR include local injection site reactions (such as reddening, unusually intense pain on injection, itching, hives, swelling, or inflammation), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), hypokalaemia (low potassium), lipodystrophy (fat deposition under the skin), rash, and pruritus (itchy skin). Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness and may result in temporary or permanent impairment of brain function or even death. It is not necessary for everyone to experience the above side effects. Please consult your doctor immediately if you experience worsening of any of the side-effects.

Similar Drugs

For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

INSULIN DETEMIR is for subcutaneous (under the skin) in the abdominal wall, thigh, or upper arm. It can also be administered intravenously (IV) only with 0.9% saline solution infusion. If you are changing the brand of insulin or if you need to inject your insulin by another method, it should be done under strict medical supervision. Cases of heart failure have been reported when pioglitazone was used with insulin, especially in patients who are at high risk of cardiac heart failure. The first symptoms of hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar level) may include symptoms like excessive thirst, dry mouth, increased frequency of urination, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, flushed dry skin, loss of appetite and acetone odour of the breath. You should closely monitor these symptoms. If you have had any heart attack, have weight gain and oedema (fluid deposition in tissue), let your doctor know about this before taking INSULIN DETEMIR. It is advisable not to consume alcohol as it may either increase or decrease your blood glucose level. Care should be taken while travelling across more than two time zones. Your doctor may adjust your insulin schedule. INSULIN DETEMIR may decrease the level of potassium (hypokalemia) if left untreated, may lead to respiratory paralysis, irregular heartbeat rhythm, coma and even death. Do not take INSULIN DETEMIR if you have any low blood glucose levels, kidney, liver, or heart problems, or problems with alcohol or other prescription recreational drugs.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interaction:

INSULIN DETEMIR may have an interaction with drugs that may increase the risk of antiarrhythmic (disopyramide), hemorheological agents (pentoxifylline), antidiabetic medicinal products (pramlintide, glucagon), beta-blockers (metoprolol), diuretics (furosemide ), bleeding disorder drugs (octreotide), antipsychotic (propoxyphene, phenothiazines), estrogens, progestins (e.g. in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors and atypical antipsychotic medicinal products (olanzapine and clozapine)., thyroid hormones (levothyroxine), anti-asthmatics (albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), antidepressant medications (fluoxetine, lithium), lipid-lowering pills (reserpine, niacin, clonidine, fenofibrate, guanethidine), pain killers (aspirin) and antibiotics (isoniazid).

Drug-Disease Interaction:

INSULIN DETEMIR should not be given to patients with kidney disease, liver disease, low blood sugar/glucose level (hypoglycaemia), and low potassium level (hypokalaemia).

Safety Advice

ALCOHOL

You are recommended not to consume alcohol along with INSULIN DETEMIR to avoid unpleasant side-effects. Alcohol may either decrease or increase the blood sugar level which can be fatal.

PREGNANCY

INSULIN DETEMIR can be used during pregnancy. Your insulin dose may need to be changed during pregnancy and after delivery

BREAST FEEDING

INSULIN DETEMIR can be given safely to nursing mothers but only under the supervision of a physician.

DRIVING

Drive with caution, INSULIN DETEMIR usually causes drowsiness and affects driving ability. Your ability to concentrate and react may be reduced if you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

LIVER

INSULIN DETEMIR to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.

KIDNEY

INSULIN DETEMIR to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may have to be adjusted by your doctor.