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| Other drug names: | A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
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Insulin detemir is used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). It is also used to treat people with type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) who need insulin to control their diabetes. Insulin detemir is a long-acting, man-made version of human insulin. It works by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.
Insulin detemir comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is usually injected once a day, with the evening meal or at bedtime, or twice a day, in the morning and in the evening with the evening meal or at bedtime. Inject insulin detemir at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use insulin detemir exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Insulin detemir should not be used in insulin infusion pumps.
Insulin detemir should not be mixed or diluted with other insulin products.
Insulin detemir controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use insulin detemir even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin detemir without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor.
Insulin detemir comes in vials, cartridges that contain medication and are to be placed in dosing pens, and dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin detemir comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens, you will need to inject your medication.
If your insulin detemir comes in vials, you will need to use syringes to inject your dose. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of syringe you should use.
If your insulin detemir comes in cartridges, you will need to buy an insulin pen separately. Check the manufacturer's information for the patient to see what type of pen is right for the cartridge size you are using. Carefully read the instructions that come with your pen, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about the type of pen you should use.
If your insulin detemir comes in pens, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer's instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you how to use the pen. Follow the directions carefully. Never remove the cartridge from the pen or attempt to add any other type of insulin to the cartridge.
Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, cartridges, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Throw away needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture resistant container.
Always look at your insulin detemir before you inject it. It should be as clear, colorless, and fluid as water. Do not use your insulin detemir if it is colored, cloudy, thickened, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
If your insulin detemir comes in vials, follow these steps to prepare your dose:
To inject a prepared dose of insulin detemir using a syringe or pen, follow these steps:
Use a different site for each injection, about 1 inch away from the previous injection but in the same general area (for example, the thigh). Use all available sites in the same general area before switching to a different area (for example, the upper arm). Do not use the same injection site more often than once every month.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before using insulin detemir,
Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. It is important to eat a healthy diet.
Alcohol may cause a decrease in blood sugar. Ask your doctor about the safe use of alcoholic beverages while you are using insulin detemir.
If you remember your dose shortly after the time you were supposed to take it, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If some time has passed since your regular dosing time, call your doctor to find out whether you should inject the missed dose. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one.
This medication may cause changes in your blood sugar. You should know the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and what to do if you have these symptoms.
You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:
If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop. Be sure that your family, friends, and other people who spend time with you know that if you have any of the following symptoms, they should get medical treatment for you immediately.
Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) :
If high blood sugar is not treated, a serious, life-threatening condition called diabetic ketoacidosis could develop. Call your doctor immediately if you have any of the these symptoms:
Insulin detemir injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
Insulin detemir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
Store unopened insulin detemir vials, cartridges, and pens in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use insulin detemir if it has been frozen. Unopened refrigerated insulin detemir can be stored until the date shown on the company's label.
If no refrigerator is available (for example, when on vacation), store the vials or cartridges at room temperature and away from direct sunlight and extreme heat. Unrefrigerated vials, cartridges, and pens can be used within 42 days or they must be thrown away. Opened vials can be stored for 42 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Opened cartridges and pens may be stored at room temperature for up to 42 days; do not refrigerate them. Throw away any insulin detemir that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold.
When traveling, protect your insulin detemir vials, cartridges, and pens from bumps or other rough handling (wrap them in clothes in the middle of a suitcase). Do not keep insulin in hot areas of a car such as the glove compartment or trunk. When traveling by airplane, do not put insulin in checked luggage since the luggage may be lost. Always keep insulin with you or in carry-on luggage.
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include the symptoms of hypoglycemia listed above and the following:
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your blood sugar and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) should be checked regularly to determine your response to insulin detemir. Your doctor will also tell you how to check your response to insulin by measuring your blood or urine sugar levels at home. Follow these instructions carefully.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
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Last Revised -
10/01/2006
Last Reviewed -
10/01/2006
The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2008. All Rights Reserved.
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Page last updated: 17 April 2008 |