Skip to main content

Insulin detemir Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Nov 24, 2023.

Applies to insulin detemir: subcutaneous solution.

Serious side effects of Insulin detemir

Along with its needed effects, insulin detemir may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking insulin detemir:

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Insulin detemir

Some side effects of insulin detemir may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to insulin detemir: subcutaneous solution.

General

Adverse reactions associated with insulin detemir include hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, rash, and pruritus.[Ref]

Metabolic

Severe hypoglycemia defined as third party intervention, occurred in approximately 6% of patients receiving insulin detemir in clinical trials. Weight gain has been reported with insulin therapy and has been attributed to the anabolic effects of insulin and the decrease in glucosuria.[Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Hypoglycemia

Frequency not reported: Weight gain[Ref]

Local

Injection site reactions seem to occur more frequently with insulin detemir than with human insulin products. Reactions have included pain, redness, hives, inflammation, bruising, swelling, and itching at the injection site. Most injection site reactions have been minor and transitory, disappearing in a few days to a few weeks, even with continued treatment.[Ref]

Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reactions

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Injection site pain[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity side effects have included both local and systemic reactions. Anaphylaxis has been reported. Local reactions have presented as erythema, local edema, and pruritus at the injection site. Most minor reactions to insulin at the injection site resolve in a few days to a few weeks.

Allergic reactions and potentially allergic reactions were reported more frequently in 3 clinical studies with subjects receiving combination oral antidiabetic agents compared with the frequency across all studies (2.2% versus 0.1% to 1%).[Ref]

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Allergic reactions[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Insulin may cause sodium retention and edema, especially as metabolic control is improving.[Ref]

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Peripheral edema[Ref]

Ocular

Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible ophthalmologic refraction disorder and worsening of diabetic retinopathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk of diabetic retinopathy.[Ref]

Frequency not reported: Refraction disorder, worsening of diabetic retinopathy[Ref]

Dermatologic

Common (1% to 10%): Lipohypertrophy

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Lipoatrophy

Postmarketing reports: Rash urticaria[Ref]

Immunologic

In phase 3 trials, antibody development with no apparent impact on glycemic control was observed.[Ref]

Very common (10% or more): Influenza-like illness (up to 13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Viral infection

Frequency not reported: Antibody development[Ref]

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia, fatigue[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Gastroenteritis (up to 16%), abdominal pain (up to 13%)

Common (1% to 10%): Nausea, vomiting, toothache[Ref]

Genitourinary

Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 31%)

Common (1% to 10%): Migraine, dizziness

Rare (less than 0.1%): Painful peripheral neuropathy[Ref]

Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a transitory, reversible acute painful peripheral neuropathy. However, long-term glycemic control decreases the risk.[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 35%), pharyngitis (up to 17%)

Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, cough, rhinitis, sinusitis[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Product Information. Levemir (insulin detemir). Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2005.

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian Product Information.

4. Multum Information Services, Inc. Expert Review Panel

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.