Levemir (insulin detemir) prescription available online

If you are suffering from diabetes mellitus, Levemir can help. Request a new prescription or refill of Levemir today from a board-certified doctor online.*

Book an appointment

Lower levels of glucose

Available as an injection

FDA-approved to treat type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.

About Levemir 

Levemir is a form of man-made insulin, a hormone produced in the body. Insulin functions by lowering levels of glucose (blood sugar).

Levemir is used for blood sugar control in adult and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. Levemir is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation and under different brand names, including insulin detemir.

Levemir may be prescribed as an injection. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.

If you're prescribed Levemir, complete the entire course of insulin injections unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t complete your prescription, the insulin injections may not fully treat your diabetes mellitus. 

Levemir uses

There are several FDA-approved uses for Levemir, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your online medical professional may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons.

It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.

  • Diabetes mellitus

    Levemir is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar levels in adult and pediatric patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Levemir has a blood glucose-lowering effect that continues working for several hours after injection.

    Levemir is not used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.

Levemir side effects

  • The side effects associated with taking Levemir are typically mild. Most Levemir side effects are associated with low blood sugar. Levemir has some common side effects. They may include:

    • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

    • Weight gain

    • Swelling in your hands or feet

    • Injection site reactions, such as localized cutaneous amyloidosis

    Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:

    • Fluid retention (edema)

    • Low potassium levels

    • Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

    You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse reactions, or if you develop any other new or concerning symptoms. The use of Levemir is approved for children over two years old with diabetes mellitus.

How to take Levemir

Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Levemir prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.

Levemir can come in different forms and doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. Levemir is injected under the skin, and your healthcare provider will show you how to properly inject your insulin dose.

Prepare your insulin dose only when you're ready for the injection. Avoid using medication that has changed color, is cloudy, or has particles in it. Your healthcare provider will help you choose the best injection site for your Levemir injection.

If you inject insulin detemir once daily, use the injection at your evening meal or bedtime. If you use it twice daily, use your evening dose at least 12 hours after your morning dose. Your doctor may recommend blood glucose monitoring while you're taking this medication.

What to avoid while taking Levemir

Levemir has 377 drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter medicines. 

Possible drug interactions with Levemir include:

  • Other insulin therapy, such as pioglitazone or rosiglitazone

  • Metformin

  • Certain oral contraceptives

  • Medications for mental illness and nausea, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Avoid sharing your needles or syringes with others. If you share needles, you may develop a severe infection or get a disease, even if the needle looks clean. Avoid medication errors by carefully checking your insulin detemir before each injection.

Drinking alcohol while taking Levemir can lead to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), depending on how much you drink. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication, mainly if you have poorly controlled diabetes.

Medication alternatives to Levemir

If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest human or other insulin injections in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:

Levemir prescription FAQs

  • How much does Levemir cost?

    Depending on your pharmacy, Levemir costs around $335 for 10 mL of subcutaneous solution (100 units/mL) without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands like insulin detemir offer an affordable alternative.

  • How can I refill my Levemir prescription?

    To refill your Levemir prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.

  • Who should not take Levemir?

    To make sure Levemir is safe for you, talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

    • Low levels of potassium in your blood

    • Liver or kidney disease

    • Renal or hepatic impairment

    • Allergic reactions to insulin products

    • Heart failure

  • How long can you keep Levemir out of the fridge?

    Levemir can be stored at room temperature for 42 days.

  • What is the best time of day to take Levemir?

    You should take your insulin detemir injection with your evening meal or at bedtime to optimize blood glucose control.

  • When should you not take Levemir?

    Avoid taking Levemir if you notice any symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, hunger, or confusion. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, drink fruit juice or non-diet soda.

  • What happens if I miss a dose of Levemir?

    If you've missed a dose of Levemir, call your doctor for instructions about taking the missed dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.

  • What happens if I take too much Levemir?

    If you've taken too much Levemir, seek emergency medical help or contact your local poison control center. An insulin overdose can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia (severe low blood sugar).

3 simple steps to request your Levemir prescription today 

Step 1: Book an appointment

Step 1

Book a Levemir prescription request appointment.

Book a same day appointment from anywhere.

Step 2: Visit with a doctor on your smartphone

Step 2

Talk to your medical provider regarding your Levemir prescription.

Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.

Step 3: pick up at local pharmacy

Step 3

Pick up Levemir, if prescribed.

We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.

Levemir prescription pricing details

How pricing works

To get a new or refill on your Levemir prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.

Paying with insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

Copay

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price with insurance

Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!

  • We accept these insurance plans and many more:

    • Humana
    • Aetna
    • United Healthcare

Paying without insurance

Membership

$16.99/month

First month free

Visits

$129

30 days of free membership

  • Same-day appointments 7 days a week

  • Unlimited messages with your Care Team

  • Prescription discount card to save up to 80%

  • Exclusive discounts on lab tests

  • Free memberships for your family

  • Cancel anytime

Visit price without insurance

Initial visits are $129.

Book an appointment

If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.

Levemir prescription resources

Sources:

PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information

PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.