Insulin Degludec

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Tresiba

  • Antidiabetics, Insulins; 
  • Antidiabetics, Long-Acting Insulins

Long-acting, insulin analog; given subcutaneously once daily
Used in adult and pediatric patients 1 year and older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
Provides A1C control similar to other long-acting once-daily insulin analogs; severe, life threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur

For the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus, Long-acting basal insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes mellitus. 
For the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Long-acting basal insulin indicated to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

During episodes of hypoglycemia

Documented hypersensitivity

Nasopharyngitis (12.9-23.9%)

Severe hypoglycemic episode (0.3-12.3%)

Upper respiratory tract infection (8.4-11.9%)

Headache (8.8-11.8%)

1-10%

Diarrhea (6.3%)

Sinusitis (5.1%)

Gastroenteritis (5.1%)

Injection site reactions (3.8%)

Peripheral edema (0.9-3%)

Lipodystrophy

Localized cutaneous amyloidosis at the injection

Do not share, even if the needle is changed; sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens

Changes in insulin, manufacturer, type, or method of administration may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia; these changes should be made cautiously and only under medical supervision, and the frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be increased

Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur; if hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue therapy; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve

All insulin products cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia; monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia including patients using potassium-lowering medications or those taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations; treat if indicated

To avoid dosing errors and potential overdose, never use a syringe to remove drug from pen injector into a syringe

Thiazolidinediones, which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists can cause dose-related fluid retention, particularly when used in combination with insulin; this may lead to or exacerbate heart failure

Available data from one unpublished trial and the published literature on use during pregnancy have not identified drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes

There are no data on the presence of insulin degludec in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production

Specific maximum dosage information is not available. Individualize dosage based on careful monitoring of blood glucose and other clinical parameters in all patient populations.

Insulin degludec

injectable solution (prefilled pen, FlexTouch)

  • 100 units/mL
  • 200 units/mL

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