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Compare Lantus vs. Levemir

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Lantus (insulin glargine) and Levemir (insulin detemir) are both long-acting insulins used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. They are similar in that they help control blood sugar levels for about 24 hours and are administered via subcutaneous injection. However, there are some differences between the two medications. Lantus is typically injected once daily, while Levemir can be injected once or twice daily, depending on your dose and needs. Lantus is available as a vial and prefilled pens (Lantus Solostar), and Levemir is also available in vials and prefilled pens (Levemir FlexPen). Both Lantus and levemir may cause weight gain and low blood sugar as possible side effects. Lantus and Levemir should not be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe. While both insulins require a prescription, Levemir comes only as a brand-name medication but Lantus is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Levemir (insulin detemir)
  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Levemir (insulin detemir)

  • Summary of Lantus vs. Levemir

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Lantus (insulin glargine) is a type of long-acting insulin. It's used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin once daily. Your dose will depend on a few things, such as the type of diabetes you have and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes in a vial (Lantus) as well as in a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects include upper respiratory tract infections. It can also cause redness and swelling at the injection site.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long-acting insulin that helps control high blood sugar levels in children and adults. It's injected under the skin, typically once or twice daily. Like all insulins, Levemir (insulin detemir) can raise your risk for low blood sugar, so make sure to keep fast-acting sugars with you in case your blood sugar level drops too low. This medication comes in vials. But it's also available as a Flexpen for people who have trouble drawing up insulin from the vial.

  • Indications of Lantus vs. Levemir

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Lantus vs. Levemir

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Helps keep your blood sugar controlled for about 24 hours
    •Injected once daily
    •Approved for both adults and children
    •Available as a vial and prefilled pen
    Cons
    •Given as an injection under the skin
    •Has a risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to some other types of insulin
    •Doses can be adjusted to meet your body's needs
    •Insulin pens available for people who've trouble using insulin vials
    •Provides blood sugar control for up to 24 hours
    Cons
    •Must be injected
    •Might need to inject it twice daily
    •Can cause low blood sugar
    •No generic option available

  • Common Side Effects of Lantus vs. Levemir

    Common Side Effects for

    Type 1 diabetes

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (22%)
    •Other infection (9%)
    •Accidental injury (6%)
    •Headache (6%)

    Type 2 diabetes

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
    •Other infection (10%)
    •Eye problem (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Shakiness, hunger, and other symptoms of low blood sugar (up to 93%, depending on what other blood sugar medications you're taking)
    •Common cold involving the nose, throat, and lungs (up to 27%)
    •Headache (up to 23%)
    •Pain or irritation of the throat (10%)
    •Back pain (8%)
    •Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported by people who took Levemir (insulin detemir) for type 1 diabetes. Your risk for side effects might be different if you have type 2 diabetes.

  • Warnings of Lantus vs. Levemir

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infection from sharing pens and needles
    •Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low potassium levels
    •Swelling and risk of heart failure when using with certain diabetes medications
    •Severe allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infections
    •Low blood sugar
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluids and risk of heart failure

  • Prices with our coupons for Lantus vs. Levemir

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    Learn more about Levemir

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