What is the brand name for Insulin Detemir?
The brand name for Insulin Detemir is Levemir.
PTCB 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).
Study guides that cover Insulin Detemir
Free, in-depth guides to the patterns behind this drug — no app needed.
High-alert medications listthe meds where an error does the most harm
Drug suffix cheat sheetthe suffix that gives away this drug's class
How to memorize the Top 200 drugsa method for locking in brand↔generic pairs
Failed the PTCB? The comeback planwhat to do if the first attempt failsSee all PTCE study guides or browse the full Top 200 drug list.
Drill Insulin Detemir the way the PTCE asks it
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Related drugs in the Endocrine/Diabetes group
Written and reviewed by the RxReflex Content Team. 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).