What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking insulin detemir?
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to insulin, or if you are having an
episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Before using insulin detemir, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or any
disorder of your thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary glands.
Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including any oral (taken by mouth)
diabetes medications.
Insulin detemir is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet,
exercise, weight control, foot care, eye care, dental care, and testing your blood sugar. Follow your
diet, medication, and exercise routines very closely. Changing any of these factors can affect your
blood sugar levels.
Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled
appointments.
FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether this medication is harmful to an
unborn baby. Before using insulin detemir, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether insulin detemir passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take insulin detemir?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use it in larger amounts or for
longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Do not mix or dilute insulin detemir with any other insulin, or use it with an insulin pump.
Insulin detemir is given as an injection (shot) under your skin. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist
will give you specific instructions on how and where to inject this medicine. Do not self-inject this
medicine if you do not fully understand how to give the injection and properly dispose of used needles
and syringes.
If you use this medication once daily, use the injection at your evening meal or at bedtime. If
you use the medication twice daily, use your evening dose at least 12 hours after your morning dose.
Insulin detemir should be thin, clear, and colorless. Do not use the medication if it looks cloudy,
has changed colors, or has any particles in it. Call your doctor for a new prescription.
Choose a different place in your injection skin area each time you use this medication. Do not
inject into the same place two times in a row.
If you use an injection pen, attach a new needle to the pen each time you use it. Throw away
only the needle in a puncture-proof container. You may continue using the pen for up to 42 days.
Needles may not be included with the injection pen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist which
brand and type of needle to use with the pen.
Use each disposable needle only one time. Throw away used needles in a puncture-proof
container. If your medicine does not come with such a container, ask your pharmacist where you can
get one. Keep this container out of the reach of children and pets. Your pharmacist can tell you how
to properly dispose of the container.
Some insulin needles can be used more than once, depending on needle brand and type. But a
reused needle must be properly cleaned, recapped, and inspected for bending or breakage. Reusing
needles also increases your risk of infection. Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you are able to
reuse your insulin needles.
Never share an injection pen or cartridge with another person. Sharing injection pens or
cartridges can allow disease such as hepatitis or HIV to pass from one person to another.
Check your blood sugar carefully during a time of stress or illness, if you travel, exercise more
than usual, or skip meals. These things can affect your glucose levels and your insulin dose needs may
also change.
Watch for signs of blood sugar that is too high (
hyperglycemia
). These
symptoms include increased thirst, loss of appetite, fruity breath odor, increased urination, nausea,
vomiting, drowsiness, dry skin, and dry mouth. Check your blood sugar levels and ask your doctor
how to adjust your insulin doses if needed.
Ask your doctor how to adjust your insulin detemir dose if needed.
Do not
change your dose without first talking to your doctor.
Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you have diabetes, in case of
emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that
you are diabetic.
Storing unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens:
Keep in the
carton and store in a refrigerator, protected from light. Throw away any insulin not used before the
expiration date on the medicine label.
Unopened vials, cartridges, or injection pens
may also be stored at room
temperature for up to 42 days,
away from heat and bright light. Throw away any insulin not
used within 42 days.
Storing after your first use:
Keep the "in-use" vials, cartridges, or
injection pens at room temperature and use within 42 days.
Do not refrigerate.
Do not freeze insulin detemir
, and throw away the medication if it has
become frozen.
