WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Insulin detemir is used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) and type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and, therefore, cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Insulin detemir is in a class of medications called long-acting insulin. Insulin detemir works by replacing the insulin that is normally produced by the body and by helping move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. It also stops the liver from producing more sugar.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Insulin detemir comes as a solution (liquid) to inject subcutaneously (under the skin). It is used once or twice a day. When used once a day, it is injected with the evening meal or at bedtime. When it is injected twice a day, it is injected in the morning before breakfast and again with the evening meal or bedtime about 12 hours later. Inject insulin detemir at around the same time(s) every day.
Use insulin detemir exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Never use insulin detemir when you have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or if you have checked your blood sugar and found it to be low.
Insulin detemir comes in vials and in dosing pens that contain cartridges of medication. Be sure you know what type of container your insulin detemir comes in and what other supplies, such as needles, syringes, or pens, you will need to inject your medication.
You or a caregiver will be shown how to inject the medicine before your first dose. You will also be given the instructions for use. Read these carefully. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions on how to use the medicine.
Always look at your insulin detemir before you inject it. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use your insulin detemir if it is colored, cloudy, thickened, or contains solid particles, or if the expiration date on the bottle has passed.
You can inject your insulin detemir in your upper arm, thigh, or stomach. Do not inject insulin into a skin area that is red, swollen, itchy, or thickened. Never inject insulin detemir into a vein or muscle. Change (rotate) the injection site within the chosen area with each dose; try to avoid injecting the same site more often than once every 1-2 weeks.
Never reuse needles or syringes and never share needles, syringes, or pens. If you are using an insulin pen, always remove the needle right after you inject your dose. Dispose of needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant container. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Insulin detemir controls diabetes but does not cure it. Continue to use insulin detemir even if you feel well. Do not stop using insulin detemir without talking to your doctor. Do not switch to another brand or type of insulin or change the dose of any type of insulin you are using without talking to your doctor.
Do not use insulin detemir in an external insulin pump.
Do not dilute or mix insulin detemir with other insulin products.
Are there OTHER USES for this medication?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before using insulin detemir,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
If you remember your dose shortly after the time you were supposed to use it, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If some time has passed since your regular dosing time, follow the directions provided by your doctor or call your doctor to find out whether you should inject the missed dose. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Insulin detemir injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency treatment:
Insulin detemir may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while using this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Insulin detemir overdose can occur if you use too much insulin detemir or if you use the right amount of insulin detemir but eat less than usual or exercise more than usual. Insulin detemir overdose can cause hypoglycemia. If you have symptoms of hypoglycemia, follow your doctor's instructions for what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. Other symptoms of overdose:
What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in and out of reach of children. Store unopened insulin detemir vials and pens in the original carton in the refrigerator. Never allow insulin detemir to freeze. Do not use insulin detemir that has been frozen and thawed.
If no refrigerator is available (for example, when on vacation), store the vials, or pens at room temperature and away from direct heat and light. Unrefrigerated vials and pens can be used within 42 days; after that time they must be discarded. Opened vials can be stored for 42 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. Opened pens may be stored at room temperature for up to 42 days; do not refrigerate them. Discard any insulin detemir that has been exposed to extreme heat or cold.
Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location - one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
You should always wear a diabetic identification bracelet to be sure you get proper treatment in an emergency.
Do not let anyone else use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™ Copyright, 2026. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: October 15, 2026.