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Diabetes Treatment: Levemir Flexpen Uses and Side Effects
Health
2 years ago

Levemir, also known as insulin detemir is man-made insulin. The body naturally produces insulin to reduce glucose level in the blood. However, the artificial Levemir produced by man carries out the same function. Insulin detemir starts working several hours after injection and continuous working evenly for up to 24 hours. Levemir is generally used to control the blood sugar level in adults and children with diabetes.

In adults, Levemir is used to treat type 2 diabetes. However, it is also used to treat type 1 diabetes in adults and children aged 2 years and above.

Uses of Levemir flexpen

One of levemir flexpen uses is combining insulin detemir with an appropriate exercise and regime program to regulate high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Other levemir flexpen uses have to do with controlling and making improvements on blood sugar level. Being treated with levemir can prevent or reduce the risk of experiencing the following conditions;

  • Loss of limbs;
  • Blindness;
  • Sexual malfunction;
  • Kidney damage; and
  • Nerve problems.

Levemir flexpen uses are almost the same as those of the natural insulin produced by the body. The only difference is that it acts longer than regular insulin produced by the body and provides and regulates blood sugar level body. Its main function is to assist blood sugar also known as glucose get into cells so that the body can use it as energy. For Levemir flexpen uses, insulin detemir can be administered with a shorter-acting insulin product.It can as well be used alone or with other diabetes drugs such as exenatide.

Reviews of LevemirFlexpen: Vital information on levemirflexpen

You should never use levemir if you are allergic to insulin detemir. In addition, you should also not use Levemir if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Instead, you should call your doctor for treatment with a short-acting insulin. For whatever, never share a levemir injection syringe or inject a different person even if the needle has been changed.

It should be noted that several other drugs can easily interfere with the effects and uses of levemir flexpen. A reason why you should tell your doctor all the prescriptions and over-the-counter medications you have used and are using. These may include; vitamins and or herbal products. Never start taking new medication without the approval of your doctor.

Hypoglycaemia also referred to as low blood sugar level can occur if you skip meals, drink alcohol, exercise too long, or you stressed. Taking insulin overdose can be the origin of life-threatening hypoglycaemia. Knowing the signs of low blood sugar level is the duty of all;

  • Hunger;
  • Headache;
  • Sweating;
  • Weakness;
  • Irritability;
  • Tremors; and
  • Trouble concentrating.

If you experience any of the above signs of low blood sugar, immediately inform your health care provider. Always make sure your family and close friends are available to give you a helping hand in case of an emergency.

Reviews of Levemir flexpen

If you are allergic to insulin detemir or having an episode of low blood sugar level, never use levemir flexpen. Using levemir flexpen is unadvisable for children younger than 2 years. It should also be noted that type 2 diabetes in children of any age should never be treated with Levemir flexpen. To be sure levemir flexpen is safe for you, let your doctor know if you have;

  • Low levels of potassium in your blood also known as hypokalaemia;
  • Liver or kidney disease; and
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis.

Make sure you let your doctor know if you are taking rosiglitazone or pioglitazone which is most often contained in metformin or glimepiride. Take note that while you are using levemir flexpen, receiving extra oral diabetes drugs will upsurge your risk of serious heart problems. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby, make sure you follow all your doctor’s instructions on how to use levemir flexpen. Controlling blood sugar level during pregnancy is very important. During the different trimesters of pregnancy, your dose might likely be different. However it might also be different while you are breast feeding. Always ask your doctor before using levemir if you are a breast feeding mother. The dose might also change within the breastfeeding period.

Reviews of Levemir Flexpen: Precautions

Always let your doctor know if you are allergic to insulin detemir before using it. Also let him know if you are allergic to other forms of insulin or have any forms of allergy. This product contains inactive ingredients that can easily cause allergic reactions. Always talk to your pharmacist for more details. Never use this medication if you are experiencing low blood sugar level. Always tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history before taking this medication. You might experience dizziness, blurred vision due to extremely high or low blood sugar level. For this reason, you are advised not to drive or use any other machinery that requires clear vision until you are sure of performing this task safely.

Reviews of levemirflexpen: Proper way to use LevemirFlexpen

Always use levemir as prescribed by your doctor. Make sure you follow all the directions on your prescription label. Never for any reason, use this medicine for longer than recommended or in larger or smaller doses than recommended.

Levemir flexpen is applied under the skin. Your doctor or medical health care provider will direct you on how to use it at home. Never inject yourself with this drug if you do not understand how it is done. Always use this injection after your evening meal or at bedtime if has been prescribed by your doctor. In cases where you are asked to take it twice daily, always make sure there is a time lapse of 12 hours between doses.

Your health care provider should show you the best parts of your body through which to receive the injection. Each time you give an injection, make sure you are using a different place from the previous. Do not inject at the same spot twice.In cases where your doctor recommends you use short-acting insulin in addition to levemir flexpen, always make sure they are injected separately. Levemir must not be given mixed with other insulins or an insulin pump. Never inject levemir into a vein or a muscle. For those using an injection pen, it is recommended to use only the injection pen that comes with the levemir flexpen. Make sure you attach a new needle for any uses of levemir flexpen. Never transfer the insulin from a pen into a syringe. On no occasion should you share an injection syringe or pen with another person. This holds even if the needle has been changed.

Make sure disposable syringes and needles are used only once. It is recommended that all patients follow any local or state laws which have to do with disposal of used needles and syringes. It is advisable to always use a puncture-proof sharp disposal. Always ask your pharmacist where to get one and how to dispose it. Once you purchase it, make sure it is kept from the reach of children and pets. Anyone with diabetes can experience low blood sugar level at any time. In order to deal with low blood sugar level, always be in possession of fast-acting sources of sugar such as;

  • Hard candy;
  • Fruit juice;
  • Raisins;
  • Non-diet sodas; and
  • Crackers.

If you experience severe hypoglycaemia and are unable to drink or eat, meet your doctor to prescribe a glucagon emergency injection kit to use. Make sure your family and close ones are able to administer this injection in an emergency. However, you should also watch out for signs of high blood sugar also known as hyperglycaemia such as;

  • Blurred vision;
  • Increased thirst;
  • Tiredness; and
  • Increased urination.

Blood sugar levels can be influenced by the following;

  • Illness;
  • Exercise;
  • Alcohol use;
  • Stress;
  • Skipping meals; and
  • Surgery.

Levemir flexpen is only one part of a whole treatment program that possibly comprises;

  • Exercise;
  • Diet;
  • Weight control;
  • Special medical attention;
  • Regular blood sugar level testing; and
  • Respect of medical prescriptions.

For this medicine to be beneficiary to you, make sure you follow all your doctor’s instructions closely. Always store Levemirflexpenin its original container, protected from heat and light. Draw insulin from a vial into a syringe only when you are ready to take an injection. Always throw any leftover insulin that has frozen. You can store unopened insulin as follows;

  • Simply refrigerate and use until expiration date; or
  • Stock in room temperature and completely use within 42 days.

You can store opened levemir flexpen in the following ways;

  • In a refrigerator and use within 42 days; or
  • Store in room temperature and use within 42 days. Never store injection pen with a needle attached to it.

Never use this medicine if it is discoloured or looks cloudy. In such cases, call your pharmacist for new medicine. Always read patient’s information, patient guides and instruction sheets provided to you. Always feel free to ask your pharmacist or health care provider for answers to your questions. Always wear a diabetic medical alert tag in case you are in an emergency situation. Always let any doctor treating know you are diabetic.

Reviews of Levemir Flexpen:Levemir flexpen side effects

Uses of levemir flexpen are numerous and have brought great improvement on the health of many. Nevertheless, it’sside effects also exist as is the case with other medicines. The first side effect is itchy skin rash over the whole body.

The second levemir flexpen side effects is difficulties in breathing. The third side effects is an increased heart beat rate.

Sweating is the forth levemir flexpen side effects. Depending on its intensity, make sure you get the attention of your medical health provider.

Serious side effects of levemir flexpen

If you experience any of the following serious levemir flexpen side effects, make sure you call the attention of your doctor;

  • Swelling in your hands or feet;
  • Redness, swelling and itches where you injected the insulin detemir; and
  • Low potassium which is observed by an uneven heart beat, confusion, extreme thirst, leg discomfort, and muscle weakness.

Less serious side effects of levemir flexpen

However, we also have less serious levemir flexpen side effects which you can deal with without medical assistance. But it should be noted that if the situation keeps worsening, medical attention is needed.

  • Back pain, mild headache;
  • Weight gain;
  • Stomach pain;
  • Thickening of the skin; and
  • Flu symptoms.

This is not a complete list of side effects of levemir flexpen, others might occur. Always keep a record of the side effects so that you can explain to your health care provider. You can report all side effects of levemir flexpen to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You can also call your doctor for medical advice on side effects of levemir flexpen.

Interactions of Levemir Flexpen

Proper care should be taken when receiving drugs like levemir flexpen for drug interactions might alter how it works or increase your risk of suffering from serious side effects. This article does not cover all their interactions. That is why you should be open to your doctor by keeping a list of all products you use. Never start, stop or change dosage of any medicine without the doctor’s approval. One product that highly alters uses of levemir flexpen is rosiglitazone. Other Beta-blocker medications may prevent fast heartbeats you will experience when your blood sugar level falls too low.

Overdose of Levemir flexpen

Anyone can call 911 if they have taken overdose and are experiencing serious symptoms like breathing difficulties or passing out. Otherwise, they should call a poison control centre immediately for assistance. US inhabitants can reach their local poison control centre at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose are as follows;

  • Shakiness;
  • Fast heartbeat;
  • Sweating;
  • Signs of low blood sugar; and
  • Loss of consciousness.

What should I discuss with my medical health care provider before taking Levemir Flexpen?

Let your doctor know the following;

  • If you are allergic to insulin;
  • If you have any other allergies;
  • If you have liver problems;
  • If you have kidney problems;
  • If you are taking any other medication;
  • If you are pregnant;
  • If you plan getting pregnant during the treatment; and
  • If you are a breast feeding mother.

What happens if you miss a dose?

Always follow your doctor’s instructions even if you miss a dose. Make sure insulin detemir is always handy. Always get your prescription supplied before you completely run out of medicine.

Things to avoid while using insulin

It is recommended never to change the brand of insulin detemir or syringe without having confirmation from your pharmacist or doctor. Stay away from alcohol consumption; it can lower your blood sugar level.

Dosage

Carefully go through this dose guide to equip yourself with sufficient information.

The usual adult dose of levemir flexpen for diabetes type1:

Based on clinical responses, dose is individualised. Basal insulin should always be used in regimens with short-acting insulin. Initial dose comprises of one-third the total daily insulin prerequisite. This can also be done in divided doses two times a day. Theonce in a day dosage is preferably administered at bedtime or with evening meals. Whereas if taking it twice daily, should be administered in the morning and in the evening. The evening dose can go with dinner or at bedtime making sure a time interval of 12 hours from the morning dose has elapsed. The maintenance dose should be adjusted according to metabolic needs, glycaemic needs and blood glucose measurements.

The Usual adult dose of levemir for diabetes type 2:

Based on clinical response, doses should be individualised. An initial dose of 10 units should be administered subcutaneously once a day. It can also be administered twice a day. For all patients inadequately controlled on a GLP-1 receptor agonist, an initial dose of 10 units should be administered subcutaneously once a day.

Levemir flexpenvs Lantus

Both Levemir and Lantus are long-acting injectable insulins which can be used for long term management of diabetes. The hormone insulin which is naturally produced in the body by the pancreas helps in the conversion of glucose in the blood stream into the body’s usable energy. This energy once achieved is distributed to cells around the body.

With diabetes, you experience pancreatic failure, a situation in whichthe body produces little to no insulin or it can’t use the insulin in the right way. Without insulin, your body is starved of energy since it can’t use the sugar.  When excess sugar is allowed, it damages other body organs including kidneys and blood vessels. Lantus is a solution of insulin glargine while Levemir is a solution of insulin detemir. Both are basal insulin. This means that they work slowly to lower your blood level sugar. Over a 24-hour period they are absorbed into your body. They help keep your blood sugar level lower for a longer period than short-acting insulin does. Though their formulations are slightly different, Lantus and Levemir are very similar drugs. They have just slight differences.

Use

Both children and adults use Lantus and Levemir. More precisely, Lantus can be used by those who are 6 years old and above whereas Levemir can only be used by people aged from 2 years and above. Both Lantus and Levemir can greatly help with daily management of diabetes. However, you might need to use short-acting insulin to treat diabetic ketoacidosis and spikes in your blood sugar levels. They represent dangerous build ups of acids in your blood.

Administration

Both Lantus and Levemir are given through injection on the skin. You can have someone you know give you this injection or simply administer it yourself. Always make sure the injection goes under your skin. It is of great importance to rotate the injection sides around your upper legs, abdomen and upper arms. This will help prevent a build-up of fatty tissues at the injected area. Never use either drug with an insulin pump. Doing so can lead to severe low blood sugar level causing a life threatening situation.

Frequency

Levemir

Depending on how quickly your body uses up the drug, you can take levemir once or twice a day. When you are first taking it, make sure you monitor your blood sugar level.Always report the number of times you take the drug to your doctor, in cases there is need for adjustment.

Lantus

Lantus is generally taken once a day. According to your blood sugar level control, your doctor will choose the number of units you need to use.

Effectiveness

In the daily management of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, both Levemir and Lantus appear to be equally effective. A study conducted in 2011 found no significance difference in the effectiveness or safety of Lantus versus Levemir for type 2 diabetes.

User Reviews of Levemir Flexpen

Most recent reviews of Levemir flexpenby Botsey for diabetes, type 2 ‘’I was not aware your insulin could make you dizzy lethargic tired or cause joint aches and back pain. Levemir may not be for you. I switched because I thoughtLevemir is cheaper than Lantus. But to my surprise, I found its cost horrific. I would see my doctor so I can go back to Lantus’’

Reviews of Levemir flexpenfrom Rikemmit to diabetes type 2 ‘’ I take 50 units of Levemir daily but it does not work well for me’’

Reviews of Levemir flexpenby mhami for diabetes, type 2 ‘’ I took Levemir, 12 units for about one week, but I am surprise I still feel likedying. Though I took it at 9 every night, I continuously found my blood sugar level each morning as high as 154. I am presently too tired, weak and can’t walk for a great distance without stopping to rest. Presently, I am even afraid of taking Levemir. It might even make me feel worse than before.’’

Reviews of levemir flexpen by SupperBubbe for diabetes, type 2 ‘’ I have tried taking this medicine twice, but each time I do, I find the results even worse than no medication.’’

Reviews of levemir flexpen by Brock, for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus go thus ‘’Using this medicine has brought unto me good results by lowering my blood sugar level counts. One of the levemir flexpen side effects I experienced was a bitter taste in the back of my throat past the tongue. I noticed this most often when eating my meals. But this symptom did not last for long.