Levemir (Insulin Detemir) Discontinuation Status
Levemir (insulin detemir) vials and pens are not currently scheduled for discontinuation based on the most recent 2024 American Diabetes Association Standards of Care guidelines, which still list Levemir as an available long-acting insulin product. 1
Current Availability Status
The 2024 American Diabetes Association Standards of Care continues to include Levemir (insulin detemir) in their comprehensive table of insulin products available in the U.S. market 1. This indicates that:
- Levemir remains part of the current insulin formulary
- Both vial and prefilled pen formulations are still listed as available options
- The product continues to be priced at approximately $370 per 1,000 units for both vial and prefilled pen formulations
Comparison with Previous Years' Guidelines
When examining the progression of ADA guidelines:
- The 2023 ADA Standards of Care similarly listed Levemir as available 1
- The 2020 ADA Standards of Care also included Levemir in their insulin products table 1
- The most recent 2025 ADA Standards of Care (advance publication) continues to include Levemir-type products 1
Alternative Long-Acting Insulin Options
For patients concerned about potential future availability, alternative long-acting insulin options currently on the market include:
- Insulin glargine (U-100 and U-300 formulations)
- Insulin degludec (U-100 and U-200 formulations)
- Glargine biosimilar/follow-on products
These alternatives have varying price points, with some options like certain glargine biosimilars being less expensive than Levemir 1.
Clinical Implications
If patients are concerned about Levemir's long-term availability:
- Continue current therapy: No immediate action is needed as Levemir remains available
- Discuss alternatives: Consider discussing alternative long-acting insulin options with patients who may be concerned
- Monitor updates: Keep track of manufacturer announcements regarding any future changes to product availability
Important Considerations
- Insulin detemir has unique pharmacological properties including albumin binding that provides a prolonged and consistent metabolic effect 2, 3
- When transitioning between insulin types, close monitoring is required as there may be differences in onset, peak, and duration of action
- Some patients may experience less weight gain with insulin detemir compared to other basal insulins 4, 5
While no discontinuation has been announced, patients who are concerned about future availability should discuss options with their healthcare provider to ensure continuity of care in their diabetes management.