LEVEMIR

Levemir Information

Levemir is an artificial form of a hormone that is naturally produced by the human organism. Such a product is able to effectively lower the patient’s blood sugar levels. As you may have already guessed, Levemir is actually a form of insulin, a form that possesses long term effects. However, this product is slightly different from other medicines (pharmaceutical forms of insulin) that are not artificial (man-made). Consult your medical provider or your local pharmacist for further information concerning these aspects.

Levemir Indications

This widely employed artificial form of insulin is mainly prescribed to patients who are suffering from diabetes. It can be administered to both children and adult individuals. However, your physician may choose to prescribe you a therapy course with Levemir although you are not suffering from this disorder. You should always follow your PD’s professional guidance, and in case you need further information, you should refer to him or her without hesitating.

Levemir Warnings

A very important aspect that has to be taken into consideration by a patient who is following a therapy course with Levemir is how to effectively avoid suffering from hypoglycemia. The clinical manifestations of such a condition normally include: confusion, hunger, nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, and so on. All patients who are being treated with Levemir should always carry a glucose tablet or a piece of hard candy with them, which they should use, in case of such an emergency. Like all diabetic individuals, those who are following a treatment with this product should also watch for the symptoms of hyperglycemia.

Each patient must be aware that their intake of Levemir is only a small part of a more complex therapy routine that can also involve exercise, dieting, foot care, weight control, eye care, and so on. All these aspects must be given the needed attention, as any changes that affect them will also affect the patient’s blood sugar levels. Those who are suffering from an allergy to insulin must not be allowed to start a therapy course with Levemir. The presence of thyroid disorders, or that of an affection of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands, of the liver or of the kidneys may impair the patient’s ability to use such a medicine. Levemir is a FDA category C pregnancy drug. This means that the use of this product can and will affect a developing fetus. In other words, pregnant females should not use this anti-diabetic remedy.

Levemir Intake Guidelines

Your physician is bound to provide you with specific directions concerning your future therapy course with Levemir. It is imperative that you follow each and every one of them. In case you want to learn more about your therapy course with this product you should refer to your PD, to a pharmacist or you should read the drug’s prescription label.

Levemir must not be administered through an insulin pump. It must be injected under the patient’s skin. Generally, such an injection will be performed or supervised by a medical specialist. Unless you are familiar with the administration technique, you must not try to inject Levemir by yourself. You may want to refer to your local pharmacist as to obtain specific guidance concerning the proper disposure of syringes and / or needles. This medication ought to appear colorless, clear and thin. It is forbidden to use the drug if it has an unusual color or if it contains any particles. Levemir must not be injected in the same skin area twice in a row. You must keep this product at room temperature. If the medication has frozen, you should adequately dispose of it, as it is not usable any more.

Levemir Dosage

After your medical professional sees the results of your initial medical evaluations, he or she will determine the needed amount of Levemir that you should employ on a daily basis. If you have been prescribed a single daily dose of this medication, you should receive the injection at bedtime or before dinner. In case you have been recommended to use 2 doses of Levemir per day you should allow at least 12 hours to pass between your two doses.

Levemir Overdose

An overdose with this form of insulin (Levemir) can trigger a very severe, life-threatening condition – hypoglycemia. In case you suspect to be suffering from such a condition you must make sure that you will receive the needed medical attention as soon as possible. The common symptoms of a severe form of hyperglycemia include: coma, convulsions, confusion, stomach pain, tremor, sweating, blurred vision, speaking difficulties, weakness, and so on.

Levemir Missed Dose

Repeatedly missed doses of Levemir can even endanger your life, so it is best to always employ your prescribed doses of this form of insulin at their due time. Any alterations of your current dosing routine must be accepted by your PD. Avoid doubling up doses of Levemir in order to compensate for prior doses of this product that you have missed. In such a circumstance you should refer to your physician at once.

Levemir Side Effects

Patients who develop the common symptoms of an allergic reaction should immediately cease using this product. One of the most common side effects of a prolonged therapy course with Levemir is hypoglycemia. However, other disturbing clinical manifestations can also develop, especially at the site of the injection. The most common of them are: thickening of the skin, redness, swelling, itching, and so on.

Levemir Drug Reactions

A therapy with Levemir should not be combined with the use of Catapres, Ventolin, Reserpine, Ismelin, Tenormin, and so on. While such products may mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, other drugs can decrease or increase the normal effects of this form of insulin, leading to severe complications, in case they are combined with this anti-diabetic.