What Is Levemir?

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.

How does Levemir work?

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.

What doses are available for Levemir?

• 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

Dosing is individualized based on patient needs. Both formulations are becoming increasingly difficult to find due to the manufacturer's discontinuation.

How hard is it to find Levemir in stock?

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.

Who Can Prescribe Levemir?

Levemir can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:

• Endocrinologists — specialists in hormonal disorders including diabetes
• Internal Medicine physicians
• Family Medicine doctors
• Primary Care providers
• Pediatric Endocrinologists — for children with type 1 diabetes

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.

Is Levemir a controlled substance?

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.

Common Side Effects of Levemir

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) — the most common side effect
• Injection site reactions — redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site
• Weight gain
• Lipodystrophy — changes in fat tissue at injection sites
• Headache
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Edema (fluid retention)

Serious side effects (seek medical attention immediately):

• Severe hypoglycemia (seizures, loss of consciousness)
• Severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis
• Hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium levels)
• Heart failure when used with thiazolidinediones

Alternative Medications to Levemir

With Levemir being discontinued, patients should work with their healthcare provider to transition to one of these alternatives:

• 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.

Drug Interactions with Levemir

Medications that may increase hypoglycemia risk when combined with Levemir:

• Other antidiabetic medications (Sulfonylureas, Metformin, GLP-1 agonists)
• ACE inhibitors
• MAO inhibitors
• Fluoxetine
• Salicylates (Aspirin)

Medications that may reduce Levemir's effectiveness:

• Corticosteroids
• Thyroid hormones
• Diuretics
• Oral contraceptives
• Danazol

Other important interactions:

• Beta-blockers — may mask symptoms of low blood sugar
• Thiazolidinediones (Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone) — increased risk of fluid retention and heart failure
• Alcohol — can unpredictably increase or decrease blood sugar

Final Thoughts on Levemir

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.