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Levemir vs. Basaglar

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

Key takeaways

Levemir (insulin detemir) and Basaglar (insulin glargine) are both long-acting insulins used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Levemir can be injected once or twice daily, while Basaglar is typically injected once daily. Levemir is available in both vials and pens, whereas Basaglar only comes in pen form. Levemir has a lower risk of weight gain compared to Basaglar, which is known to cause weight gain. Additionally, Levemir can be stored at room temperature for up to 42 days once opened, while Basaglar can only be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and should not be mixed with other insulins within the same syringes. Levemir Flexpens has been discontinued as of April 2024, and vials will be discontinued by December 2024 while Basaglar is only available as a brand name, making it potentially more expensive.

Levemir

(insulin detemir)

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Basaglar

(insulin glargine)

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Summary for Levemir

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 for Levemir

Pros and Cons for Levemir

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 for Levemir

  • 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 for Levemir

  • Infections
  • Low blood sugar
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Low blood potassium levels
  • Swelling from fluids and risk of heart failure

Summary for Basaglar

Prescription only

Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Basaglar (insulin glargine) is given as an injection under the skin once per day. Your healthcare team will determine your dose based on different things, such as your diet and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes as a pre-filled pen called Basaglar KwikPen, as well as a smart insulin pen called Basaglar Tempo Pen that can connect to a smartphone. Some side effects of this medication include low blood sugar levels and pain or swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Basaglar

Pros and Cons for Basaglar

Pros

  • Long-lasting insulin that provides consistent, all-day blood sugar control
  • Given once per day
  • Available as a prefilled pen that can easily fit into your purse or pocket
  • Doses can be easily adjusted
  • Can use in type 1 diabetic children as young as 6 years old

Cons

  • Must be given as an injection under the skin
  • Might be difficult for some people to administer correctly
  • Can cause weight gain and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Doesn't come as a vial, which some people might prefer instead of prefilled pens
  • Not available as a lower-cost generic yet

Common Side Effects for Basaglar

  • Infection (up to 24%)
  • Common cold (up to 16%)
  • Respiratory tract infection (up to 8%)

Warnings for Basaglar

  • Risk of infections with pen sharing
  • Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
  • Dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Low blood potassium levels
  • Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Levemir vs. Basaglar

Price Card Drug Icon
Levemir1 vial / 10ml of 100 units/ml
$115.96$140.20
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Price Card Drug Icon
Basaglar1 carton / five 3ml kwikpens of 100 units/ml
$228.82$399.81
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Compare other Diabetes Type 2 and Diabetes Type 1 drugs

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