Levemir Flexpen

Uses of Levemir Flexpen

Diabetes mellitus (Type 1 & Type 2)

How does Levemir Flexpen work?

Levemir Flexpen is a long-acting insulin that provides consistent, all-day blood sugar control. It works similarly to the body's natural insulin, facilitating the absorption of sugar in muscle and fat cells and reducing sugar production in the liver.

Side Effects of Levemir Flexpen

• Hypoglycemia, skin reactions at the injection site, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, weight gain, sodium retention, and edema.
• Possible side effects at the injection site include pain, itching, hives, swelling, and inflammation.

Quick Suggestions:

• Inject this medicine under the skin (subcutaneously) at the same time every day, as directed by your doctor.
• Injecting into the abdomen leads to faster absorption than other injection sites.
• Rotate injection sites to prevent the development of hard lumps.
• Do not use it if the insulin is no longer clear and colorless or contains particles.
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is a common side effect. Learn to recognize and manage its symptoms (such as sweating, rapid heartbeat, weakness, blurry vision, headache) and teach your family members as well.

Indication of Levemir Flexpen

Levemir Flexpen 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 people whose blood sugar levels are high and are not even controlled by diet and exercise alone. 

Pharmacology

The primary activity of insulin detemir is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulins, including insulin detemir, exert their specific action by 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.

Dosage & Administration of Levemir Flexpen

• Adults:
  • Type 1 or 2 Diabetes Mellitus:
    • Once daily: Administer subcutaneously with the evening meal or at bedtime.
    • Twice daily: Administer subcutaneously with the morning meal and either with the evening meal, at bedtime, or 12 hours after the morning dose.
• Children:
  • Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:
    • <2 years: Safety and efficacy not established.

2 years: Administer subcutaneously as approximately one-third of the total daily insulin requirement. The remainder of the daily insulin requirement should be covered by rapid-acting or short-acting insulin.

Administration:

• Administer subcutaneously in the upper arm, thigh, or abdominal wall.
• A subcutaneous injection into the abdominal wall results in faster absorption compared to other injection sites.
• It can be taken with or without food. For those on a once-daily regimen, administer it with the evening meal or at bedtime.
• For those requiring twice-daily dosing, the evening dose can be given with the evening meal, at bedtime, or 12 hours after the morning dose.

Interaction

• Beta-blockers may mask hypoglycemic symptoms.
• Blood sugar levels may increase with the use of certain medications such as thiazide diuretics, corticosteroids, and some calcium channel blockers.
• Certain medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, such as disopyramide, large doses of aspirin, and MAOIs.
• Insulin resistance may decrease with octreotide and lanreotide.

Contraindications

Insulin Detemir is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Insulin Detemir or any of its excipients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester.

Nursing Mothers: It is unknown whether Insulin detemir is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs, including human insulin, are excreted in human milk, use caution when administering Insulin detemir to a nursing woman. Women with diabetes who are lactating may require adjustments to their insulin doses.

Precautions & Warnings

• Use cautiously in patients with kidney or liver impairment.
• Regularly monitor blood glucose and HbA1c levels.
• Rotate injection sites within a given area to reduce the risk of skin reactions.

Storage Conditions:

Opened vials or cartridges can be stored at room temperature for up to 4 weeks, while unopened vials should be kept in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C).

If refrigeration is not possible, unused Levemir Flexpen can be kept at room temperature below 30°C, away from direct heat and light. Discard the unrefrigerated Levemir Flexpen 42 days after it is first removed from the refrigerator, even if it still contains insulin.