Levemir Flexpen
Generic: Insulin Detemir
Daily Dose:
Course Duration:
Cheaper & Alternative Brands
Same generic (Insulin Detemir), same form (SC Injection)No other brands currently registered with this exact active generic and dosage form.
Clinical Prescribing Information
Medical monograph and safety information for healthcare professionals & patients.Indications & Clinical Uses
Levemir Flexpen is a long-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus.
Important Limitations of Use: Not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Use intravenous, rapid acting or short-acting insulin instead.
Dosage & Administration
Adult
: In insulin-naive patients with type 2 DM who are not well controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs: Initial: 0.1 -0.2 unit/kg once daily in the evening or 10 unit 1-2 times/day, adjust subsequently based on glycaemic control.
In patients on basal insulin only
: May substitute with insulin detemir on a unit-for-unit basis based on the current basal insulin dosage, adjust subsequently to achieve glycaemic targets.
Contraindications
Insulin Detemir is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Insulin Detemir or any of its excipients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Hypoglycaemia, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, wt gain, sodium retention and oedema. Inj site reactions e.g. pain, itching, hives, swelling and inflammation. Influenza-like symptoms, Pallor, Palpitation, Tachycardia, Mental confusion, Weakness, Blurred vision, Itching, Hunger, Nausea.
Warnings & Precautions
Renal or hepatic impairment. Regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c. Continuous rotation of the inj site within a given area to reduce inj site reactions. Pregnancy, lactation
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
The primary activity of insulin detemir is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulins, including insulin detemir, exert their specific action through binding to insulin receptors. Receptor-bound insulin lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and by inhibiting the output of glucose from the liver. Insulin inhibits lipolysis in the adipocyte, inhibits proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.