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Levemir vs. Tresiba

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

Key takeaways

Levemir (insulin detemir) and Tresiba (insulin degludec) are both long-acting insulins used to control high blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Levemir can be injected once or twice daily, while Tresiba is typically injected once daily and can be taken at any time of the day. Tresiba lasts longer than Levemir, with its pens being good for up to 56 days at room temperature once opened, compared to Levemir's 42 days. Levemir is available in both vials and pens, whereas Tresiba is only available in pens. Levemir has a lower risk of weight gain compared to some other insulins, but Tresiba uses one of the smallest needles possible, making injections potentially less painful. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and should not be mixed with other insulins. Tresiba is only available as a brand name, which can make it expensive. Levemir Flexpens has been discontinued as of April 2024, and vials will be discontinued by December 2024.

Levemir

(insulin detemir)

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Insulin degludec

(Tresiba)

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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 Tresiba

Prescription only

Insulin degludec (Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It's injected under the skin once per day. Insulin degludec (Tresiba) comes as a vial and FlexTouch pen. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. Tresiba is available as a brand-name medication and an unbranded biologic.

Indications for Tresiba

Pros and Cons for Tresiba

Pros

  • Injected once daily
  • Each dose can help control blood sugar levels for about 42 hours
  • Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 months

Cons

Common Side Effects for Tresiba

  • Low blood sugar levels (up to 99%)
  • Common cold (up to 24%)
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 12%)
  • Headache (up to 12%)
  • Diarrhea (up to 6%)
  • Sinus infection (up to 5%)
  • Stomach viral infection (up to 5%)

Warnings for Tresiba

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

Prices with our coupons for Levemir vs. Tresiba

Price Card Drug Icon
Levemir1 vial / 10ml of 100 units/ml
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Price Card Drug Icon
Insulin Degludec1 vial / 10ml of 100 units/ml
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