What is Levemir PenFill Cartridge?

It contains Insulin detemir as the active ingredient. Levemir is an insulin analog produced by recombinant DNA technology using a laboratory strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Pen cartridge of Levemir Penfill catridge contains 300 units in 3mL of the drug. Novo Nordisk manufactured this drug and Zuellig Pharmaceuticals distributed it.

What is it used for?

It is prescribed as basal insulin in combination with short-acting insulin to maintain blood glucose levels in patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Levemir helps prevent nerve problems, kidney damage, heart attack, and stroke.

How does it work?

Insulin elevates cellular uptake of glucose in muscle and fat tissues, increases energy production via glycogenesis, and stimulates amino acid uptake in the liver to inflate DNA replication and translation. Levemir will copy the basal levels of insulin in diabetic patients. Insulin detemir is used in patients with diabetes to mimic basal insulin levels. Slow systemic absorption from the injection site and delayed distribution of Levemir will result in a longer duration of action that is up to 24 hours.

How to take it?

Levemir PenFill catridges are only designed for Novo Nordisk insulin delivery systems and NovoFine or NovoTwist needles. Keep the Levemir PenFill at room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before administration. Inspect the pen if it contains a clear, colorless, aqueous liquid. Insert a new sterile needle in the Levemir pen to avoid contaminating the product. Select the correct dose in units and perform a safety test to make sure that Insulin will come out. Change the injection site (stomach, thighs, upper arms, or buttocks) after every dose to lessen the risk of localized cutaneous amyloidosis or lipodystrophy. Slowly count to 6 before removing the needle from the skin.

Dosage

Levemir is an ethical drug that is prescribed by a physician. Blood glucose monitoring results, glycemic control goals, metabolic needs diet, and physical activity are the things to consider in determining the correct dose for a patient.

Side Effects

Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar like dizziness, anxiety, blurred vision, difficulty operating machinery, sweating, and tachycardia are common side effects of Insulin detemir. Injection site reactions may also be seen but they can go away after a few doses.

Warnings, Precautions, and Contraindications

Never share Levemir Penfill cartridge or reuse needles between patients. Dosage reductions and close monitoring of glucose are required when taking Levemir with ACEIs, Angiotensin II blockers, fibrates, sulphonamide antibiotics, fluoxetine, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors may increase the risk of Hypoglycemia. Taking it with Oral Contraceptives, Thiazides, Thyroid hormones, Glucocorticoids, growth hormone, and Sympathomimetics may increase blood glucose levels.

Adverse Effect

If the patient experiences any of these: Edema in the administration site, Lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis in the skin, eye disorders such as diabetic retinopathy and refraction disorders, urticarial, rash, and allergic reactions, peripheral neuropathy, and anaphylactic reactions while taking Levemir, report it immediately to the physician.

Storage

Sealed Levemir Penfill cartridge can be refrigerated at a temperature ranging from 2-8°C or at a room temperature not exceeding 30°C for up to 42 days. In-use Levemir cartridge must be kept at room temperature for up to 42 days as cold insulin can be painful to use.

Disposal

Discard used needles in leak-resistant and heavy-duty containers. If the sharps container is full, follow the community guidelines in your area for the correct disposal of sharps.