Levemir Is a Long-Acting Insulin Used to Control Blood Sugar in People With Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Levemir (Insulin Detemir) is a prescription long-acting insulin analogue that helps keep blood sugar levels steady throughout the day and night. If you've been prescribed Levemir—or your doctor is considering it—here's everything you need to know about what it is, how it's used, and what's happening with its availability in 2026.

What Is Levemir?

Levemir is the brand name for Insulin Detemir, a long-acting insulin analogue. Here are the key facts:

• Brand name: Levemir, Levemir FlexTouch
• Generic name: Insulin Detemir
• Drug class: Long-acting insulin analogue
• Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk
• FDA approval: First approved in the United States in June 2005
• Controlled substance: No — Levemir is not a controlled substance

Levemir works differently from rapid-acting or short-acting insulins. Instead of covering meals, it provides a slow, steady level of insulin over an extended period (up to 24 hours), acting as your body's "background" or basal insulin. For a plain-English explanation of how it works in your body, read our guide on how Levemir works.

What Is Levemir Used For?

Levemir is FDA-approved for:

• Type 1 diabetes — In adults and children ages 2 and older. It's used alongside rapid-acting mealtime insulin to provide all-day blood sugar control.
• Type 2 diabetes — In adults. It can be used alone or combined with oral diabetes medications or mealtime insulin.

Levemir is also sometimes used off-label for gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy), as it's considered safe in pregnancy.

How Is Levemir Taken?

Levemir is injected under the skin (subcutaneously). It is not taken by mouth and should not be used in insulin pumps.

Available Forms

• Levemir FlexTouch prefilled pen — 100 units/mL, 3 mL pen (box of 5 pens = 15 mL total)
• Levemir vial — 100 units/mL, 10 mL vial

Typical Dosing

Levemir dosing is individualized based on your blood sugar levels, other medications, diet, and activity level.

• Type 1 diabetes: Typically 0.1-0.2 units/kg once or twice daily as basal insulin, used alongside rapid-acting mealtime insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes: A common starting dose is 10 units once daily or 0.1-0.2 units/kg, adjusted (titrated) based on blood sugar readings.

How to Inject

• Inject in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen
• Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy (changes in fat tissue under the skin)
• Can be given once daily (usually with the evening meal or at bedtime) or twice daily (morning and evening)
• Should be clear and colorless before injection — do not use if cloudy or discolored
• Do not mix Levemir with other insulins in the same syringe

Who Should Not Take Levemir?

Levemir should not be used by people who:

• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to Insulin Detemir or any of its inactive ingredients
• Are currently experiencing a hypoglycemic episode (low blood sugar)

Use with caution if you have kidney or liver problems, as you may need a lower dose and more frequent blood sugar monitoring.

Always tell your doctor about all medications you're taking. Levemir interacts with several drug classes, which can affect your blood sugar levels. See our full guide on Levemir drug interactions.

How Much Does Levemir Cost?

Levemir can be expensive, especially without insurance:

• Cash price: Approximately $350 to $500 per box of 5 FlexTouch pens or per 10 mL vial
• With insurance: Copays vary widely depending on your plan. Some plans cover Levemir, though it may require prior authorization or step therapy (trying another insulin first). Some plans have moved Levemir to higher formulary tiers or removed it due to the discontinuation.
• No generic available: There is currently no generic or biosimilar version of Levemir. However, patients may switch to biosimilar Insulin Glargine products like Semglee or Basaglar, which cost approximately $150 to $300 per box.

Novo Nordisk previously offered a savings card through NovoCare that could reduce copays to as low as $25, but this program may no longer be available due to the discontinuation. The Novo Nordisk Patient Assistance Program (PAP) provides free insulin to qualifying uninsured patients who meet income requirements. Apply at novocare.com or call 1-866-310-7549.

For more ways to reduce your costs, check out our complete guide on how to save money on Levemir.

Levemir Availability in 2026

Novo Nordisk has announced the discontinuation of Levemir. Production is being phased out, and supplies in the US are becoming increasingly scarce throughout 2025 and 2026. If you're currently taking Levemir, it's important to:

1. Talk to your doctor about transitioning to an alternative long-acting insulin
2. Use Medfinder to find Levemir in stock while supplies last
3. Review alternatives to Levemir so you're prepared when supply runs out

For the latest on the shortage, read our Levemir shortage update.

Final Thoughts

Levemir has been a trusted long-acting insulin since 2005, with over 3 million prescriptions written in 2023 alone. While it's being discontinued, it remains effective for managing blood sugar in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

If you're currently on Levemir, work closely with your doctor to ensure a smooth transition to an alternative insulin when the time comes. And if you need to fill your prescription now, Medfinder can help you find it in stock near you.