Levemir® PenFill Cartridges for Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Levemir® PenFill Cartridges contain insulin detemir, a long-acting (basal) insulin used to help control blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. At CanadianInsulin, you can access Canadian pricing on Levemir PenFill Cartridges from Canada with US delivery from Canada. This page explains how Levemir works, who it is for, and how to use cartridges safely, including options if you pay without insurance.

Every CanadianInsulin order is prescription-checked with your clinic and dispensed by a licensed Canadian pharmacy.

What Levemir® Is and How It Works

Levemir® is insulin detemir, a human insulin analogue designed for steady, long-acting basal coverage. After injection into the fat layer under the skin, it binds to albumin and slowly releases over many hours. This helps control fasting and between-meal glucose. It is usually taken once daily or split into twice-daily dosing when needed for smoother 24-hour coverage.

Levemir belongs to the basal insulin class. It is not a rapid insulin and does not cover meals by itself. Many people use it with a rapid-acting insulin at meals as part of a basal-bolus plan. Others with type 2 diabetes may use it alone or with oral medicines.

Who Levemir® Is For

Levemir is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients with diabetes mellitus. Your prescriber may recommend it for:

• Type 1 diabetes, as the basal insulin in a multiple daily injection regimen
• Type 2 diabetes, when long-acting insulin is needed to reach glucose targets

Do not use Levemir if you are allergic to insulin detemir or any ingredient. Do not use Levemir during episodes of hypoglycemia. Levemir is for subcutaneous use only. Do not use it in an insulin pump or for intravenous injection. It is not appropriate for treating diabetic ketoacidosis; your clinician will choose a different regimen.

Dosage and Usage

Dosing is individualized. Follow your prescriber’s plan and the official label. General patterns commonly used include:

• Type 2 diabetes: often started once daily with the evening meal or at bedtime. A typical starting dose is 10 units once daily, or 0.1 to 0.2 units/kg, with titration under clinician guidance.
• Type 1 diabetes: used as basal insulin, once daily or divided twice daily. Mealtime insulin is generally added for prandial coverage.

Inject in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, rotating sites to reduce lipodystrophy. Check your glucose regularly, especially during initiation and dose changes. Never share pens, cartridges, or needles.

Strengths and Forms

The Levemir PenFill presentation is standardized:

• Levemir PenFill U-100 Cartridges: 100 Units/mL (U-100)
• Levemir PenFill Cartridges 100 Units/mL 3 mL (each cartridge contains 300 units)
• Levemir PenFill Cartridges 5×3 mL pack (pack of five cartridges)

These cartridges are used in compatible reusable pens designed for PenFill systems. Availability may vary by inventory. For other basal options in this format, explore our Long Acting Insulin Cartridges.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, check your blood glucose. Take the missed dose when remembered unless it is close to your next scheduled dose. If it is close, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not take extra insulin to make up for a missed dose. When in doubt, follow the official label and contact your clinic.

Storage and Travel Basics

Before first use, keep unopened cartridges in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Keep cartridges in the carton to protect from light. After first use, in-use PenFill cartridges can typically be kept at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) for up to 42 days. Do not store a pen with a needle attached. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. Always confirm storage limits on the package you receive and the official label.

For travel, carry insulin in hand luggage. Use insulation or a medical travel case in hot environments. Bring extra needles, a backup pen, and a glucose source for lows. Keep a copy of your prescription and a medication list.

Pen Handling and Sharps Disposal

Levemir PenFill Cartridges are used with compatible reusable pens. Load the cartridge per the pen instructions, usually by inserting the 3 mL cartridge into the pen body, then attaching a new single-use needle. Prime the pen as directed before each injection to ensure insulin flow.

• Use a new needle for every injection. Never reuse or share needles, pens, or cartridges.
• Dial the prescribed dose carefully. Deliver the full dose, then count as instructed before removing the needle.
• Rotate injection sites to reduce skin changes such as lumps or depressions.
• Dispose of used needles in an FDA-cleared sharps container or a puncture-resistant container per local regulations.

If you need a compatible device, see our category for Reusable Diabetic Cartridge Pen options and check your pen’s compatibility before ordering.

Benefits

Levemir helps provide steady basal insulin coverage between meals and overnight. The action profile allows once-daily or twice-daily dosing, depending on your plan. PenFill cartridges let you use a durable pen with fine dose adjustment, which many people find convenient for daily use and travel. Consistent basal coverage can support A1C reduction when combined with meal planning, activity, and other medicines as directed.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): shakiness, sweating, hunger, headache, confusion
• Injection site reactions: redness, swelling, itching, or pain
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at injection sites
• Weight gain
• Peripheral edema (fluid retention)

Serious but less common risks include severe hypoglycemia that requires help, hypersensitivity reactions, and hypokalemia (low potassium). Seek medical attention for severe reactions or concerning symptoms. The risk of low blood sugar increases with missed meals, increased activity, alcohol use, or if combined with other glucose-lowering drugs such as sulfonylureas or mealtime insulin.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Other diabetes medicines: GLP-1 receptor agonists, SGLT2 inhibitors, and sulfonylureas may increase hypoglycemia risk when used with insulin.
• Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): may cause or worsen fluid retention and heart failure when combined with insulin.
• Beta-blockers: can mask symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol: may enhance insulin’s glucose-lowering effect and increase hypoglycemia risk.
• Corticosteroids, some antipsychotics, and certain antivirals: may raise glucose and increase insulin needs.

Tell your clinician about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take. Report kidney or liver problems, planned surgeries, or frequent hypoglycemia.

What to Expect Over Time

During the first days to weeks, your prescriber may adjust your Levemir dose based on fasting and pre-meal readings. Many people see steadier fasting numbers with consistent dosing and site rotation. A1C changes are assessed over about three months. Keep monitoring and follow your plan for meals, activity, and mealtime insulin if prescribed.

Compare With Alternatives

Other long-acting insulins may be suitable if your clinician recommends a change. Insulin glargine options include Lantus® Cartridges and the follow-on glargine option available here as Buy Basaglar Online. Intermediate-acting NPH insulin may also be considered in some cases, though it has a different action profile and dosing pattern.

For a deeper overview of long-acting choices, see our article Levemir® Vs Lantus. You can also read more background in What Is Levemir and the broader guide Common Diabetes Medications.

Pricing and Access

CanadianInsulin helps you compare the Levemir PenFill Cartridges price with Canadian pricing and US shipping. You can buy Levemir PenFill Cartridges online and see your total Levemir PenFill Cartridges cost before checkout. Many customers explore a cash price when paying out of pocket. If you self-pay, you may see differences versus typical local pricing.

We connect you to licensed Canadian dispensing with US delivery from Canada. View availability, confirm your prescription, and place your order securely. Looking for seasonal offers? See our Promotions.

Availability and Substitutions

Product availability can vary. If your requested item is not available, your prescriber may recommend a clinically appropriate alternative. Your care team should guide any switch between basal insulins or cartridge formats.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

• Levemir PenFill Cartridges may suit adults and pediatric patients who need basal insulin and prefer a reusable pen system.
• Not for IV use, insulin pumps, or mixing with other insulins.
• If you experience frequent lows, injection site reactions, or unexpected changes in control, contact your clinic.
• Consider multi-month quantities to reduce per-order fees and help avoid gaps.
• Set refill reminders so you have a new 5×3 mL pack ready before your current supply runs out.
• Rotate sites and review technique to get consistent results and reduce waste.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Should I take Levemir once daily or split to twice daily?
• What fasting glucose target should I use for titration checks?
• Which reusable pen is compatible with PenFill cartridges for my dosing needs?
• How should I adjust if I start a GLP-1 or SGLT2 medicine?
• What is the plan for sick days and travel days?
• How can I reduce hypoglycemia risk during exercise or fasting?
• What signs suggest I should call the clinic urgently?

Authoritative Sources

• Novo Nordisk Levemir Product Page
• FDA DailyMed: Levemir
• Health Canada DPD: Levemir

Start your Levemir PenFill Cartridges order with Canadian pricing and US delivery from Canada using our secure checkout and express, cold-chain shipping.