{"id":3371,"date":"2018-12-06T00:02:11","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T05:02:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=3371"},"modified":"2023-04-26T09:38:23","modified_gmt":"2023-04-26T13:38:23","slug":"levemir-vs-lantus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/levemir-vs-lantus\/","title":{"rendered":"Levemir vs. Lantus: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you"},"content":{"rendered":"

Drug overview & main differences<\/a> | Conditions treated<\/a> | Efficacy<\/a> | Insurance coverage and cost comparison<\/a> | Side effects<\/a> | Drug interactions<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | FAQ<\/a><\/p>\n

The 2020 National Diabetes Statistics Report<\/a> states that 10.5% of people in the U.S. have diabetes, and the number increases with age. Almost 27% of people age 65 and over have diabetes. If you or a loved one has diabetes, you may have heard of the various types of insulins.<\/p>\n

Levemir<\/a> and Lantus<\/a> are two brand-name insulin medications used in the treatment of diabetes in adults and children. Both drugs are approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Novo Nordisk makes Levemir, and Sanofi makes Lantus. Both are classified as long-acting insulins. Although Levemir and Lantus are both long-acting insulins, they have some differences, which we will outline below.<\/p>\n

What are the main differences between \u200c\u200cLevemir and Lantus?<\/h2>\n

Levemir and Lantus are both long-acting insulin injections. They are both available in brand name only, as a 10 ml vial or a pen injector.<\/p>\n

Levemir contains insulin detemir and is injected once daily (with dinner or at bedtime), or twice daily.<\/p>\n

Lantus contains insulin glargine and is injected as one daily dose at the same time each day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Main differences between \u200c\u200cLevemir and Lantus<\/span><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
<\/td>\nLevemir <\/strong><\/td>\nLantus <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Drug class<\/strong><\/td>\nLong-acting insulin<\/td>\nLong-acting insulin<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Brand\/generic status<\/strong><\/td>\nBrand<\/td>\nBrand<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the generic name?<\/strong><\/td>\nInsulin detemir<\/td>\nInsulin glargine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What form(s) does the drug come in?<\/strong><\/td>\nInjection (vial and prefilled Levemir Flextouch pen)<\/td>\nInjection (vial and prefilled Lantus Solostar pen)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
What is the standard dosage?<\/strong><\/td>\nVaries based on metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. Injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily with the evening meal or at bedtime, or twice daily<\/td>\nVaries based on metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal. Injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily at the same time every day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
How long is the typical treatment?<\/strong><\/td>\nLong-term<\/td>\nLong-term<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Who typically uses the medication?<\/strong><\/td>\nAdults and children<\/td>\nAdults and children<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Conditions treated by \u200c\u200cLevemir and Lantus<\/h2>\n

Levemir and Lantus are used to improve blood sugar control in adults (with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus) and children (with Type 1 diabetes). Levemir and Lantus are also known as basal insulin. Basal insulin keeps your blood sugar level consistent while fasting, such as when you are sleeping.<\/p>\n

Levemir and Lantus should not be used to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Condition<\/strong><\/td>\nLevemir <\/strong><\/td>\nLantus <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Improves glycemic control in adults and children with diabetes mellitus<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is \u200c\u200cLevemir or Lantus more effective?<\/h2>\n

One study<\/a> showed that patients might need a higher dose of Levemir to achieve control of blood glucose. Some patients need a second dose of Levemir if the effects wear off after about 12 hours. Lantus tends to last longer than Levemir. This data does not show that one is more effective than the other, but it tells more about dosing and duration of action.<\/p>\n

A review of studies<\/a> concluded that Levemir and Lantus are similar in terms of safety and efficacy. Patient preference and adherence determine the selection of the best product.<\/p>\n

The best drug for you can only be determined by your healthcare provider, who can take into account your medical conditions and history as well as any medications you take that may interact with Levemir or Lantus.<\/p>\n

Coverage and cost comparison of \u200c\u200cLevemir vs. Lantus<\/h2>\n

Levemir and Lantus are typically covered by insurance, but not Medicare Part D. However, as plans may vary, check with your plan for more coverage information.<\/p>\n

One Levemir Flexpen costs<\/a> about $129 out of pocket and one vial of Levemir costs<\/a> $397 without insurance. You can use a free SingleCare card to bring the price of Levemir Flexpens<\/a> down to less than $93 or reduce the cost of Levemir<\/a> to $235.<\/p>\n

A vial of Lantus costs<\/a> approximately $413 out of pocket. A free Lantus coupon<\/a> from SingleCare can bring the price down to less than $305.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nLevemir <\/strong><\/td>\nLantus <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by insurance?<\/strong><\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Typically covered by Medicare Part D?<\/strong><\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Standard dosage<\/strong><\/td>\n1 vial<\/td>\n1 vial<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost without insurance<\/strong><\/td>\n$397<\/td>\n$413<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Lowest SingleCare cost<\/strong><\/td>\n$235<\/td>\n$115<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Common side effects of \u200c\u200cLevemir vs. Lantus<\/h2>\n

The most common side effect of both Levemir and Lantus is hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The frequency varies based on individual patient factors.<\/p>\n

Levemir\u2019s other common side effects include upper respiratory tract infection, headache, sore throat, fever, back pain, peripheral edema (swelling in the arm or leg), and cough.<\/p>\n

Other common adverse effects of Lantus are upper respiratory tract infection, headache, eye problems, swelling of the arms and legs, high blood pressure, and pain.<\/p>\n

Additional side effects may occur. Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice regarding side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u00a0<\/strong><\/td>\nLevemir <\/strong><\/td>\nLantus <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Side effect<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\nApplicable?<\/strong><\/td>\nFrequency<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hypoglycemia<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Upper respiratory tract infection<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n26.1%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n22.4%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Headache<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n22.6%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Peripheral edema<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nVaries<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n20%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Sore throat<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n9.5%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n7.5%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hypertension<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n19.6%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Retinal vascular disorder<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5.8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cataract<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n18.1%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Accidental injury<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n5.7%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Abdominal pain<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6%<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Back pain<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n8.1%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n12.8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cough<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n8.2%<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n12.1%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fever<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n10.3%<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Nausea<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6.5%<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Vomiting<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n6.5%<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n–<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Source: DailyMed (Levemir<\/a>), DailyMed (Lantus<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Drug interactions of \u200c\u200cLevemir vs. Lantus<\/h2>\n

Certain drugs can increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with Levemir or Lantus. Other medications can interfere with the blood glucose-lowering effect of Levemir or Lantus. If these drugs are given together, the dosage may need adjustment, and blood sugar should be monitored more frequently.<\/p>\n

Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of drug interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Drug<\/strong><\/td>\nDrug class<\/strong><\/td>\nLevemir <\/strong><\/td>\nLantus <\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ACE inhibitors
\nAngiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
\nAntidiabetic medicines (oral such as metformin, or injected)
\nDisopyramide
\nFibrates
\nFluoxetine
\nMonoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\nSulfonamide antibiotics<\/td>\n		Drugs that increase the risk of low blood sugar<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Albuterol
\nAtypical antipsychotics
\nCorticosteroids
\nDiuretics
\nEstrogen
\nGlucagon
\nNiacin
\nOral contraceptives
\nProtease inhibitors
\nThyroid hormones<\/td>\n		Drugs that decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of Levemir or Lantus<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Alcohol
\nBeta-blockers
\nClonidine
\nLithium<\/td>\n		Drugs that increase or decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of Levemir or Lantus<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Beta-blockers
\nClonidine
\nGuanethidine
\nReserpine<\/td>\n		Drugs that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Pioglitazone
\nRosiglitazone<\/td>\n		Thiazolidinediones<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Warnings of \u200c\u200c Levemir and Lantus<\/h2>\n