Indications

Insulin Detemir is a long-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus. Important Limitations of Use: Not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Use intravenous, rapid acting or short-acting insulin instead.

Composition

Pharmacology

The primary activity of insulin detemir is the regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulins, including insulin detemir, exert their specific action through binding to insulin receptors. Receptor-bound insulin lowers blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and by inhibiting the output of glucose from the liver. Insulin inhibits lipolysis in the adipocyte, inhibits proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis.

Dosage & Administration

Adult : In insulin-naive patients with type 2 DM who are not well controlled on oral antidiabetic drugs: Initial: 0.1 -0.2 unit/kg once daily in the evening or 10 unit 1-2 times/day, adjust subsequently based on glycaemic control. In patients on basal insulin only : May substitute with insulin detemir on a unit-for-unit basis based on the current basal insulin dosage, adjust subsequently to achieve glycaemic targets.

Contraindications

Insulin Detemir is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Insulin Detemir or any of its excipients. Reactions have included anaphylaxis

Side Effects

Hypoglycaemia, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, wt gain, sodium retention and oedema. Inj site reactions e.g. pain, itching, hives, swelling and inflammation. Influenza-like symptoms, Pallor, Palpitation, Tachycardia, Mental confusion, Weakness, Blurred vision, Itching, Hunger, Nausea.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category B. Animal reproduction studies have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women OR Animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in any trimester. Nursing Mothers: It is unknown whether Insulin detemir is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs, including human insulin, are excreted in human milk, use caution when administering Insulin detemir to a nursing woman. Women with diabetes who are lactating may require adjustments of their insulin doses.

Precautions & Warnings

Renal or hepatic impairment. Regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c. Continuous rotation of the inj site within a given area to reduce inj site reactions. Pregnancy, lactation

Therapeutic Class

Long Acting Insulin

Storage Conditions

Unused (unopened) Insulin Detemir should be stored in the refrigerator between 2° and 8°C. Do not store in the freezer or directly adjacent to the refrigerator cooling element. Do not freeze. Do not use Insulin Detemir if it has been frozen. Unused (unopened) Insulin Detemir can be kept until the expiration date printed on the label if it is stored in a refrigerator. Keep unused Insulin Detemir in the carton so that it stays clean and protected from light. If refrigeration is not possible, unused (unopened) Insulin Detemir can be kept unrefrigerated at room temperature, below 30°C as long as it is kept as cool as possible and away from direct heat and light. Unrefrigerated Insulin Detemir should be discarded 42 days after it is first kept out of the refrigerator, even if the FlexPen or vial still contains insulin.