Tresiba (Insulin Degludec)

Product Information:

Tresiba is a long-lasting insulin that begins working a few hours after administration and continues working for an equal number of hours a day for 24 hours. Insulins are hormones responsible for reducing the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream.

Tresiba is employed in the regulation of blood sugar in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus.

Tresiba can treat type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

It is available in multiple-dose vials or single-use pens called FlexTouch.

Tresiba FlexTouch comes in a disposable pen that is pre-filled and comes in two different strengths, U-100 (100 units/mL) with 300 units of insulin and U-200 (200 units/mL) with 600 units of insulin.

How do I inject Tresiba?

Use Tresiba as you have been advised. Use the medicine as directed by your doctor. Read all the guides and instructions that come with the medicine. Use the medicine as instructed.

It should be administered under the skin, once a day at any time of day, and a healthcare professional can teach a person to use this medication alone.

Tresiba cannot be used with an insulin pump or with other types of insulin. Always read and follow the Instructions for Use that come with your medication. If you do not understand how to use your medication, ask your health care provider or pharmacist.

There is a dose counter on a unit of the injectable pen showing units of dosage. Do not change your dosage units. Use a U-100 vial with a dosage of less than 5 units a day for a child.

The skin where Tresiba is to be injected must NOT be damaged, sore, bruised, pitted, thickened, scaly, or have a scar or Hard Lump.

Never share an injection pen with another person, even if a new needle is inserted. The reason for this is because infection and/or disease may be transferred person to person using injection pens.

You can have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can make you feel hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. A quick fix for hypoglycemia: take a source of simple sugar (fruit juice, hard candies, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda). Make sure you understand how to use a glucagon injector, which may have been prescribe by your health provider.

Also, be aware of possible signs of elevated blood glucose levels, such as thirsty or frequent urination.

Factors that may affect blood sugar include stress, illness, surgery, exercise, or the consumption of alcohol. Please do not make changes in your medication or dosage without consulting your health care professional.

Tresiba must be used in combination with other measures in a comprehensive treatment regimen that can include diet, exercise, weight management, glucose testing, and other physician-recommended care.

Do not freeze insulin and do not store it near the cooling element in the refrigerator. Discard frozen insulin. Store vials of insulin in the original container, away from heat and light.

Storing unopened or not in use – Tresiba

Refrigerate and consume by expiration date; or

Store under room temperature conditions for up to 8 weeks (56 days).

Storage of used/ opened Tresiba pens:

Keep under refrigerator conditions or store at room temperature. Use for 8 weeks. Do not store the injection pen with the needle attached.
Don’t use a medicine that looks cloudy or changes color. Get fresh medicine from your pharmacist.

Use the needle and syringe only once, then put the needle and syringe in a puncture-proof “sharps” container. Follow state or local regulations regarding disposal of such a container. Keep it away from children and pets.

Dosing information:

Usual Adult Dosage of Tresiba for Type 2 Diabetes:

Doses should be individualized according to response, and this basal insulin is to be used in a combination including short or rapid-acting insulin.
Insulin-naive
Starting Dose: One-third to one-half the total daily insulin requirement administered subcutaneously on a daily basis.

-The starting requirement for the daily insulin demand for insulin-naïve patients ranges from 0.2 units/kg to 0.4 units/kg of body weight per day.
Present insulin users:

Begin with the same total daily dose of present long or intermediate-acting insulin in subcutaneous injections once a day.

Warnings:

Do not use Tresiba in case you are experiencing a reaction involving low blood sugar.

Never share an injection pen of Tresiba with another person even if you happen to change the needle.

Tresiba Side Effects:

Call your doctor or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience the following symptoms of an allergic reaction while taking Tresiba:
Hives, itching, skin rash
Wheezing, tiredness, difficulty breathing
Feeling like you might pass out
Nausea and diarrhea
Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

fluid retention – your hands or feet may swell, or your body may feel heavy or difficult to breathe. Low potassium – muscle cramps, constipation, irregular heart rhythms, fluttering in your chest, thirst or frequent urination, numb or tingling sensation, muscle weakness or feeling limp. Common side effects of Tresiba may include: low blood sugar; Inflammation, increase in itching, rash; and/or thickening or hollowing out of the skin where you injected