`
`Levemir vs. Lantus: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
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`Levemir vs. Lantus: Similarities and
`Differences
`
`Medically reviewed by Darren Hein, PharmD on October 19, 2016 — Written by Ann
`Pietrangelo
`
`Use
`Dosage
`Effectiveness
`Diabetes and insulin
`
`Side effects
`
`Takeaway
`
`Levemir and Lantus are both long-acting injectable insulins that can be
`used for long-term management of diabetes.
`
`Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the body by the
`pancreas. It helps convert the glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream into
`energy. This energy is then distributed to cells throughout your body.
`
`With diabetes, your pancreas produces little or no insulin or your body is
`unable to use the insulin correctly. Without insulin, your body can’t use
`the sugars in your blood and can become starved for energy. The excess
`sugar in your blood can also damage different parts of your body,
`including your blood vessels and kidneys. Everyone with type 1 diabetes
`and many people with type 2 diabetes must use insulin to maintain
`healthy blood sugar levels.
`
`Levemir is a solution of insulin detemir, and Lantus is a solution of insulin
`glargine. Insulin glargine is also available as the brand Toujeo.
`
`Both insulin detemir and insulin glargine are basal insulin formulas. That
`means that they work slowly to lower your blood sugar levels. They’re
`both absorbed into your body over a 24-hour period. They keep blood
`sugar levels lowered for longer than short-acting insulins do.
`
`Although the formulations are slightly different, Levemir and Lantus are
`very similar drugs. There are only a few differences between them.
`
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`Levemir vs. Lantus: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
`
`Use
`
`Children and adults can use both Levemir and Lantus. Specifically,
`Levemir can be used by people who are 2 years or older. Lantus can be
`used by people who are 6 years or older.
`
`Levemir or Lantus can help with daily management of diabetes. However,
`you may still need to use short-acting insulin to treat spikes in your blood
`sugar levels and diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous buildup of acids in
`your blood).
`
`Learn more: All about diabetic ketoacidosis »
`
`Dosage
`
`Administration
`
`Both Levemir and Lantus are given through injection in the same way.
`You can give the injections to yourself or have someone you know give
`them to you. The injection should go under your skin. Never inject these
`drugs in a vein or muscle. It’s important to rotate the injection sites around
`your abdomen, upper legs, and upper arms. Doing so helps you avoid
`lipodystrophy (a buildup of fatty tissue) at the injection sites.
`
`You shouldn’t use either drug with an insulin pump. Doing so can result in
`severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can be a life-threatening
`complication.
`
`Related reading: How to give a subcutaneous injection »
`
`Strength and forms
`
`Your initial dose of either drug depends on the specifics of your diabetes.
`The solution for injection for Levemir and Lantus is 100 units/mL. Both are
`available in 10-mL vials. They’re also available in 3-mL injection devices.
`The solution is clear and colorless.
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`Levemir vs. Lantus: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
`The injection devices are more convenient because the solution is
`already in the device that injects it. The device also has clear numeric
`marks that help make incorrect dosing less likely.
`
`Frequency
`
`Levemir: You can take Levemir once or twice per day depending on how
`quickly your body clears the drug. You should monitor your blood sugar
`levels closely when you first start taking it. Report these numbers to your
`doctor so they can make adjustments to your dosage if necessary. If you
`take Levemir once per day, you should take it with dinner or when you’re
`ready for bed. If you take Levemir twice per day, separate the doses by 12
`hours.
`
`Lantus: You usually take Lantus once per day. Your doctor will time your
`Lantus dose and choose the number of units you use according to your
`blood sugar level control target.
`
`Absorption
`
`The rate at which Levemir absorbs into your body depends on your dose.
`It also depends on whether you take your daily dose all at once or at two
`different times. Levemir generally reaches a peak concentration in your
`blood six to eight hours after you take it. The concentration of Levemir in
`your blood can remain close to peak levels for up to 24 hours.
`
`On the other hand, Lantus has no clear peak. It absorbs into your body
`more slowly and steadily than Levemir. It maintains a fairly constant
`concentration for about 24 hours.
`
`That said, absorption of either product may vary. It’s important for you
`check your blood sugar level regularly.
`
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`Effectiveness
`
`Levemir vs. Lantus: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
`
`Both Levemir and Lantus appear to be equally effective in the daily
`management of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. A 2011 study
`review found no significant difference in the safety or effectiveness of
`Levemir versus Lantus for type 2 diabetes.
`
`Side effects
`
`There are some differences in side effects between the two drugs. One
`study found that Levemir resulted in less weight gain. Lantus tended to
`have fewer skin reactions at the injection site and required a lower daily
`dose.
`
`Other side effects of both drugs can include:
`
`low blood sugar level
`low blood potassium level
`increased heart rate
`tiredness
`headache
`confusion
`hunger
`nausea
`muscle weakness
`blurry vision
`
`Any medication, including Levemir and Lantus, can also cause an allergic
`reaction. In rare cases, anaphylaxis can develop. Tell your doctor if you
`develop swelling, hives, or skin rash.
`
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`Levemir vs. Lantus: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
`
`Talk to your doctor
`
`There are differences between Levemir and Lantus, including:
`
`the formulations
`the time after you take it until peak concentration in your body
`some side effects
`
`Otherwise, both drugs are very similar. If you’re considering one of these
`drugs, discuss the pros and cons of each for you with your doctor. No
`matter which form of insulin you take, review all package inserts carefully
`and be sure to ask your doctor any questions you have.
`
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