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.
