Levemir (insulin detemir) is safe to receive while pregnant or breastfeeding. However, factors such as the form you get or the condition the drug helps treat may determine whether you should receive it during this time.
Note: In this article, we use the term “females” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For more information, see this article about the difference between sex and gender.
Experts consider Levemir safe to receive during pregnancy. They studied the effects of Levemir in females who were 8 to 12 weeks pregnant. In the study, Levemir didn’t increase the risk of harm to the fetus.
However, having diabetes may raise the risk of congenital anomalies (commonly known as birth defects), pregnancy loss, and other pregnancy-related side effects.
If you have diabetes and are pregnant, your blood sugar levels may change frequently. This can increase your risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, confusion, and fainting, while high blood sugar may lead to pregnancy complications. Managing your diabetes with Levemir and regularly checking your blood sugar can help reduce these risks.
If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant while receiving Levemir, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Your body’s insulin requirements may change during pregnancy. If you usually receive this drug, your Levemir dosage may need to be different during your pregnancy.
If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, it’s important to understand the effects that Levemir could have on you or the breastfed child.
There isn’t enough information available to know whether Levemir passes into breast milk. However, experts have found other types of insulin, like human insulin, in breast milk.
Talk with your doctor whether you’re receiving Levemir and are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, it’s important to consider how Levemir could affect your birth control options.
Scientists studied how Levemir affected females who were 8 to 12 weeks pregnant. In the study, Levemir didn’t increase the risk of harm to the fetus. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re receiving Levemir.