Levemir

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Levemir during an episode of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), or if you are allergic to insulin detemir or any of its other ingredients. Extra caution and more frequent blood glucose checks may be needed if you have kidney or liver impairment, do not recognise the warning signs of low blood sugar, or have changes in meals, physical activity or other medicines. Low blood sugar can be life-threatening. Changes to your insulin treatment, injection site or method of administration should be made under close medical supervision. Levemir can cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. Stop using it and seek urgent medical help if a severe allergic reaction occurs. It can also cause dangerously low blood potassium; people at risk may need potassium monitoring. Using Levemir with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) may cause fluid retention and heart failure. Your clinician should monitor for signs of heart failure and review treatment if it occurs. Check the insulin label before every injection to avoid mix-ups. Never share a Levemir pen or needles with another person, even if the needle is changed.