What is the brand name for Insulin Detemir?
The brand name for Insulin Detemir is Levemir.
PTCE Top 200 · #153
Insulin Detemir
Levemir
Insulin Detemir is the generic name for the brand-name drug Levemir. It is an insulin used to treat diabetes (long basal). On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Insulin Detemir ranks #153 and is one of the most frequently tested endocrine/diabetes medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Insulin Detemir |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Levemir |
| Drug class | Insulin |
| Class group | Endocrine/Diabetes |
| Common use | diabetes (long basal) |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Insulin Detemir used for?
Long-acting basal insulin for glycemic control in diabetes mellitus. (Brand Levemir was discontinued in the US in 2024; glargine and degludec remain common basal insulins.)
What drug class is Insulin Detemir?
Insulin Detemir is an Insulin in the Endocrine/Diabetes group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Insulin Detemir
- arrow_rightHypoglycemia
- arrow_rightInjection site reactions
- arrow_rightWeight gain
- arrow_rightEdema
- arrow_rightRash/pruritus
- arrow_rightLipodystrophy
Major interactions
- arrow_rightOther antidiabetics → additive hypoglycemia
- arrow_rightBeta-blockers may mask hypoglycemia symptoms
- arrow_rightPioglitazone + insulin → edema/heart failure risk
Is Insulin Detemir a controlled substance?
No. Insulin Detemir is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
How to remember Insulin Detemir (PTCE mnemonic)
LEV-emir LEVels glucose — DETEMIR = 'DETERs' highs as basal insulin (~24hr, may need BID at low doses). Weight-neutral vs glargine; watch lows.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Detemir is a long-acting basal insulin that's sometimes dosed twice daily, unlike once-daily glargine — keep the Levemir / Lantus pair straight.
Insulin Detemir FAQ
What is Insulin Detemir used for?
Insulin Detemir is used to treat diabetes (long basal). Long-acting basal insulin for glycemic control in diabetes mellitus. (Brand Levemir was discontinued in the US in 2024; glargine and degludec remain common basal insulins.)
What drug class is Insulin Detemir?
Insulin Detemir is an Insulin (Endocrine/Diabetes group).
Is Insulin Detemir a controlled substance?
No. Insulin Detemir is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the Endocrine/Diabetes group
Drill Insulin Detemir the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).