What the FDA labels say about taking them together
Insulin detemir and somatropin
Insulin detemir's FDA label of October 9, 2024 names somatropin in its drug interactions section; somatropin's label does not name insulin detemir itself but warns about its class (insulin analogs). The insulin detemir label: “… niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens, protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents, and thyroid hormones. …”
Check it at the source: the insulin detemir FDA label on DailyMed (effective October 9, 2024); the somatropin FDA label on DailyMed (effective August 20, 2026, Eli Lilly and Company).
What does the insulin detemir label say about somatropin?
Insulin detemir label, drug interactionsDrugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of LEVEMIR Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dosage increases and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when LEVEMIR is co-administered with these drugs.
Source: FDA drug label (Levemir), A-S Medication Solutions, effective October 9, 2024 (SPL set 82192527-99aa-4b53-8ce9-9173668d309c), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
What does the somatropin label say about insulin detemir?
Somatropin's label does not name insulin detemir itself; it warns about its class (insulin analogs):
Somatropin label, drug interactionsInsulin and/or Other Hypoglycemic Agents
Somatropin label, drug interactionsTreatment with HUMATROPE may decrease insulin sensitivity, particularly at higher doses.
Source: FDA drug label (HUMATROPE), Eli Lilly and Company, effective August 20, 2026 (SPL set a774e1ae-3997-49ee-8b0e-99a2b315d409), via openFDA; the full label on DailyMed
These are the labels' own sentences. PlainMeds does not grade interactions; a pharmacist or prescriber can say what they mean for one person's medicines.
Both medicines on the record
| Insulin detemir | Somatropin | |
|---|---|---|
| Labeled for | Type 2 diabetes, Type 1 diabetes | n/a |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Pharmacy cost (NADAC) | n/a | $752.22 per cartridge 5 mg cartridge |
| Shortage now | No current entry | A presentation being discontinued |
Source: FDA NDC Directory, CMS NADAC of October 7, 2026 and the FDA Drug Shortage Database (FDA files October 8, 2026)
What next?
- Check more medicines together
- up to five at once