Levemir Flexpen

Primary Uses

Indications

This medicine is used to manage diabetes mellitus

Side Effects

The use of this medicine is reported with side effects such as headache, indigestion, pharyngitis (sore throat) and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any of the component of medicine

FAQS

What is the class of drug to which insulin detemir belong?

Insulin detemir is another type of artificial insulin derived from natural insulin molecule, working in the same manner as natural insulin and used to treat diabetes.

For how long is a dose of insulin detemir going to stay effective?

Insulin detemir is a long acting drug that is going to keep the body glucose level under control for the whole day.

What side-effects does it have?

The side effects of skin irritation at injection site and hypoglycemia (lowering blood glucose level) are common.

What is hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is when the blood glucose level drops down to 70mg/dl or even low and the energy level drops up to an extent that a person goes dizzy and even unconscious.

How do I manage the episode of hypoglycemia?

The signs of body going into hypoglycemia are sudden hunger with weakness, sweating, palpitations, shakiness and increased heart rate. You must teach your family members and yourself remember to: ? Eat something sweet like a candy or 1tsp of sugar immediately or take a drink of instant glucose and check the blood glucose again till it returns to normal. ? Always carry something in your bag like a packet of glucose biscuit, candy bar or fruit juice for any emergency.

How do I store the drug?

Un-opened vials should be kept in refrigerator but once you have opened and used an injection pen, it should be kept at normal room temperature. The opened or packed preparation is good for use up to 4 weeks but if it appears cloudy or unclear then discard it.

Which injection site is best to administer insulin?

The injection is given beneath the skin on the layer of fat underneath. It is best absorbed by the body when given on the stomach or an area below the abdomen e.g. knees, thighs and buttocks. Also, you must rotate injection sites to avoid hard fat lumps to form under the skin and redness and itching of skin.

How do I control weight gain?

Exercise and Plan your meals in a way that you get to have light snacks in between proper mealtimes, like an apple with cheese, handful of nuts, plain yogurt, raw carrots and fresh cucumbers. Take an equal portion of protein and fats with low-carbs in your diet.

Is exercise going to interfere with insulin absorption?

Exercise increases the absorption rate of insulin, so if you’re planning to exercise then you must wait at least 45 minutes before exercise or take the injection later.