Insulin Detemir

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.

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.

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.

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.