What Is Levemir Penfill Used For?

Levemir Penfill contains insulin detemir, a long-acting basal (background) insulin used to treat diabetes mellitus. It helps control blood sugar levels when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin naturally.

Primary Uses

Levemir Penfill is used to treat both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Patients with Type 1 diabetes always require insulin to control blood sugar levels. Some patients with Type 2 diabetes may also need insulin if diet, exercise, and tablets aren’t enough. It can be used with fast-acting insulin in Type 1 diabetes and as add-on therapy for some Type 2 diabetes medicines.

How It Works

Levemir lowers your blood sugar level after injection. The effect may last for up to 24 hours. As with all insulins, the duration of action will vary according to the dose, injection site, blood flow, temperature and level of physical activity.

How to Take Levemir Penfill

Levemir Penfill is injected under the skin using Novo Nordisk insulin delivery devices with NovoFine needles. Your doctor will determine your specific dosage and timing.

Dosage Instructions

Levemir is injected either once or twice daily. If you need twice daily dosing, the evening dose can be given with the evening meal, at bedtime, or 12 hours after the morning dose. Inject into the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, or buttocks. Change injection sites so the same position isn’t used more than once a month. Always check your insulin before injection – don’t use if it’s thickened, colored, or has solid bits in it.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you forget your insulin dose, test your blood sugar level as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, use it as soon as you remember and then return to your normal schedule. Contact your doctor, diabetes education nurse, or pharmacist if you’re unsure what to do.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) – cold sweat, pale skin, fatigue, drowsiness, nervousness, tremor, rapid heartbeat, confusion, excessive hunger, vision changes, headache, nausea
• Injection site reactions – redness, swelling, itching, depression or thickening of skin
• Visual problems when first starting insulin
• Swelling of hands or feet when first starting insulin

Important Warnings

There are several important situations when Levemir Penfill should not be used and conditions that require special medical attention.

Who Should Not Take Levemir Penfill

Do not use if you are allergic to insulin detemir or any ingredients listed. Do not use if you are experiencing low blood sugar (hypo) when your dose is due. Do not use if the expiry date has passed or packaging is damaged. Do not inject directly into a vein or muscle. Do not use in insulin pumps.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have kidney, liver, adrenal gland, pituitary gland, or thyroid gland problems. Also inform them if you have an infection, fever, heart disease, history of stroke, or are planning to travel. Some patients with long-standing type 2 diabetes and heart disease who take thiazolidinediones with insulin can develop heart failure.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Pregnancy can make managing diabetes more difficult and may require insulin dose adjustments. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with insulin and affect how it works, either increasing or decreasing insulin requirements.

• Other type 2 diabetes medicines
• Octreotide and lanreotide
• MAOIs (depression medicines)
• Beta-blockers and alpha-blockers
• ACE inhibitors
• Aspirin and salicylates
• Anabolic steroids
• Quinine and quinidine
• Sulphonamide antibiotics
• Oral contraceptives
• Thiazides and diuretics
• Glucocorticoids
• Thyroid hormones
• Sympathomimetics
• Growth hormone
• Diazoxide
• Asparaginase
• Nicotinic acid
• Oxymetholone
• Danazol

Alcohol & Driving

Both alcohol consumption and driving require special precautions when using insulin due to blood sugar effects.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Alcohol may mask the signs of low blood sugar (hypo) and can change your insulin needs. Carefully monitor your blood sugar levels when drinking.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how insulin affects you. If your blood sugar is low or high, your concentration and ability to react might be affected. Ask your doctor whether you can drive, especially if you have frequent hypos or find it hard to recognize them.

Storage

Store unused Levemir Penfill cartridges in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C, away from the cooling element. Cartridges you are using or carrying as spares should not be kept in the refrigerator. Protect from light by keeping in the carton when not in use. Do not freeze or expose to excessive heat and light. You can use Levemir Penfill for up to 4 weeks after taking it out of the refrigerator if kept below 30°C. Discard after 4 weeks even if insulin remains.

Overdose Information

If you think you have used too much insulin, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort. Too much insulin can cause severe low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) which can be life-threatening if untreated.

Frequently Asked Questions