Comprehensive medication guide to Levemir including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$25–$75 copay where still covered; many plans are removing Levemir from formularies due to discontinuation.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$350–$500 per box of 5 FlexTouch pens or per 10 mL vial without insurance; limited availability due to discontinuation.
Medfinder Findability Score
3/100
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Levemir (Insulin Detemir) is a long-acting insulin analogue manufactured by Novo Nordisk. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes in adults and children aged 2 years and older, and type 2 diabetes in adults. Levemir provides a steady level of background (basal) insulin for up to 24 hours and is typically injected once or twice daily.
First approved in the US in June 2005, Levemir was once one of the most commonly prescribed insulins, with over 3 million prescriptions in 2023. However, Novo Nordisk has announced its discontinuation, and supplies are being phased out.
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![How to Find a Doctor Who Can Prescribe Levemir Near You [2026 Guide]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.sanity.io%2Fimages%2Fvur4atr4%2Fproduction%2Fd835d396c516a7bb9d966f660910786ad5db569b-1024x1024.png%3Frect%3D0%2C256%2C1024%2C512%26w%3D400%26h%3D200%26auto%3Dformat&w=828&q=75)
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Insulin Detemir has a unique mechanism among long-acting insulins. It features a fatty acid (myristic acid) chain attached to the insulin molecule at position B29. After subcutaneous injection, this fatty acid chain causes the insulin to bind to albumin in the bloodstream, which slows absorption and extends its duration of action up to 24 hours.
Like all insulins, Levemir works by increasing cellular glucose uptake in muscle and fat tissue while decreasing glucose production by the liver. This provides a steady basal level of blood sugar control between meals and overnight.
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
Levemir (Insulin Detemir) is extremely difficult to find in 2026. Novo Nordisk has announced the discontinuation of Levemir, and production is being phased out. US supplies have become increasingly scarce throughout 2025 and into 2026, with remaining inventory being rapidly depleted. Most pharmacies no longer carry Levemir, and patients are being actively transitioned to alternative long-acting insulins such as Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, or Tresiba.
If you still need Levemir, Medfinder can help you search for remaining stock at pharmacies near you — but availability is extremely limited and shrinking daily.
Levemir can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:
Telehealth appointments are also available for insulin prescriptions and management. Given Levemir's discontinuation, most prescribers are now transitioning patients to alternative long-acting insulins.
No, Levemir is not a controlled substance. It is not scheduled by the DEA. However, insulin is a prescription medication in most states and requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Serious side effects (seek medical attention immediately):
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Insulin Glargine (Lantus)
Another long-acting insulin analogue given once daily. Well-established with decades of clinical use.
Basaglar
A biosimilar of insulin glargine, typically more affordable than brand-name Lantus.
Semglee (Insulin Glargine-yfgn)
An interchangeable biosimilar of Lantus, often the most affordable long-acting insulin option at approximately $150–$300 per box.
Tresiba (Insulin Degludec)
An ultra-long-acting insulin with a duration exceeding 42 hours, allowing more flexible dosing timing.
NPH Insulin (Humulin N, Novolin N)
Intermediate-acting insulin. Cheaper but requires more frequent dosing (usually twice daily) and has a more pronounced peak.
Prefer Levemir? We can find it.
Other antidiabetic medications (Sulfonylureas, Metformin, GLP-1 agonists)
moderateACE inhibitors
moderateMAO inhibitors
moderateFluoxetine
moderateSalicylates (Aspirin)
moderateCorticosteroids
moderateThyroid hormones
moderateDiuretics
moderateOral contraceptives
moderateDanazol
moderateBeta-blockers
moderatemay mask symptoms of low blood sugar
Thiazolidinediones
moderate(Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone) — increased risk of fluid retention and heart failure
Alcohol
moderatecan unpredictably increase or decrease blood sugar
Levemir has been a trusted long-acting insulin for nearly two decades, but its discontinuation by Novo Nordisk means it is now extremely difficult to find in 2026. If you're currently on Levemir, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to plan a transition to an alternative basal insulin such as Lantus, Basaglar, Semglee, or Tresiba.
If you still need to locate remaining Levemir stock, Medfinder can help you search pharmacies near you. However, given the rapidly diminishing supply, transitioning sooner rather than later is strongly recommended.
For financial assistance with alternative insulins, check manufacturer savings programs, NeedyMeds, or RxAssist for patient assistance options.
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Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
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