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Tresiba vs Basaglar
Introduction
For patients diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, certain long-acting insulins that help regulate blood sugar levels are critical for managing their condition. Tresiba and Basaglar are two such insulin drugs that doctors often prescribe to manage diabetes. Both of them work by simulating the continuous release of insulin produced naturally in a healthy body, thereby helping maintain stable blood glucose levels throughout the day. Tresiba is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin analog, known for its ability to last up to 42 hours per dose while maintaining consistent effects across doses. This flexibility allows some individuals more leeway in timing their injections without compromising control over their blood sugar levels. In contrast, Basaglar which is also a long-acting basal insulin analog has a duration closer to 24 hours and needs strict adherence to dosing schedules for optimal glucose control.
What is Tresiba?
Insulin Degludec (the generic name for Tresiba) is a comparatively new addition to the range of long-acting insulin analogs, making strides in diabetes management since its approval by the FDA in 2015. Tresiba has been designed to release insulin into your system steadily over an extended period - up to 42 hours, effectively providing a longer "coverage" than other long-acting insulins. It's primarily used for managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
On the other hand, Insulin Glargine (the brand name being Basaglar), another long-acting insulin, was approved by the FDA in 2000. Similar to Tresiba, it provides a consistent level of basal insulin that helps control blood sugar levels throughout the day but with up to a 24-hour duration of action.
Tresiba's prolonged effect ensures more flexibility around dosing times compared to Basaglar. However, individual reactions can vary based on factors like lifestyle, diet or existing conditions; hence it's crucial always to consult with healthcare professionals before choosing between these two effective medications.
What conditions is Tresiba approved to treat?
Tresiba and Basaglar are both approved for the management of diabetes:
- Tresiba (insulin degludec) is used to improve glycemic control in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Basaglar (insulin glargine) is also used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
How does Tresiba help with these illnesses?
Tresiba helps to manage diabetes by mimicking the action of insulin in the body, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It does this by binding to insulin receptors on body cells, thus promoting glucose uptake from the bloodstream into these cells where it can be used for energy production. Insulin is a vital hormone that maintains normal blood glucose concentrations and plays an important role in metabolism such as carbohydrate, protein, and fat regulation. Individuals with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin naturally due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells whereas those with type 2 diabetes have developed resistance to its effects over time. Therefore, by providing a long-acting form of insulin like Tresiba, diabetic patients can better control their blood glucose levels and help manage their condition effectively.
What is Basaglar?
Basaglar, a brand name for insulin glargine, is a long-acting basal insulin analog used to control high blood sugar levels in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It functions by mimicking the body's natural release of insulin, thus aiding in the regulation of glucose absorption from the bloodstream into cells. Basaglar was approved by the FDA in 2015 as biosimilar to Lantus, another brand of insulin glargine.
As Basaglar is not a rapid-acting or short-acting form of insulin, it does not provide immediate relief during sudden spikes in blood sugar levels but instead offers steady control over blood glucose throughout the day. Its action profile means that its side effects are also different from those of fast-acting insulins; for instance, it has less risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and weight gain—common side effects associated with some other types of insulin. The predictable effect on glucose regulation can be beneficial especially for patients who need consistent glycemic control around-the-clock.
What conditions is Basaglar approved to treat?
Basaglar, a long-acting insulin, is approved for the regulation of high blood sugar levels in people with:
- Type 1 diabetes Mellitus
- Type 2 diabetes Mellitus
How does Basaglar help with these illnesses?
Insulin is a hormone that plays an essential role in regulating glucose levels in the blood, which influences energy production and storage within the body. Similar to Tresiba, Basaglar works by replacing or providing more insulin to control blood sugar levels, aiding those with diabetes maintain healthier glucose levels. Basaglar is a long-acting form of insulin that works slowly over time. It begins working several hours after injection and keeps working evenly for 24 hours. The way it regulates glycemic control makes it an effective treatment option as basal (background) insulin for individuals who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes but are not responding well to other types of insulins or oral medications.
How effective are both Tresiba and Basaglar?
Both insulin degludec (Tresiba) and insulin glargine (Basaglar) are long-acting human insulins, offering reliable glycemic control for patients with diabetes. They were approved by the FDA in 2015 and 2016 respectively. Since they have different structures and duration of action, they may be used under different circumstances.
The effectiveness of Tresiba and Basaglar in controlling blood glucose levels was directly studied in a randomized clinical trial; both drugs demonstrated similar efficacy managing HbA1c levels as well as comparable safety profiles. In this study, there was no significant difference when measuring various factors affecting the efficiency of blood glucose level management between patients receiving Tresiba or Basaglar.
A systematic review on Tresiba indicates that it provides effective glycemic control from the first day of treatment due to its ultra-long duration of action up to 42 hours. Its side effect profile is favorable over many other long-acting insulins, especially hypoglycemia risk which tends to be lower with Tresiba than other basal insulins during night time.
On the other hand, a meta-analysis published in 2018 indicated that Basaglar seems to provide similar glycemic control compared to other common long-acting insulins including Lantus (another brand name version of Insulin Glargine). Nonetheless, Basaglar's once daily dosing regimen makes it an easy choice for those who prefer simpler diabetes management routines. Significant research involves its use alongside rapid acting insulin analogs at meal times making it a cornerstone treatment option for comprehensive diabetes care plans.
At what dose is Tresiba typically prescribed?
Tresiba (insulin degludec) dosages can vary widely among individuals, depending on their insulin needs. The starting dose for adults with type 1 diabetes is usually one-third to one-half of the total daily insulin dose, while those with type 2 may start at 10 units per day. In each case, dosage should be adjusted according to individual glucose targets and response after a few weeks. There's no specific maximum dosage; it is tailored based on patient's requirements.
On the other hand, Basaglar (insulin glargine), typically starts at a lower dosage - about 0.2 units/kg or up to 10 units once daily in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes respectively. Similar to Tresiba, adjustments are made based on individual blood glucose responses over time and there is no specified maximum limit as it depends upon the patient's condition.
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At what dose is Basaglar typically prescribed?
Basaglar insulin treatment is typically initiated at a dosage based on individual patient's needs. The dose can then be adjusted according to blood glucose levels. It's crucial to note that Basaglar should be injected under the skin once daily, always at the same time each day. The exact timing and amount of increase in dosage will depend upon your doctor's assessment of your response to initial treatment over several weeks. As with any insulin therapy, close monitoring of blood sugar levels is essential to ensure optimal dosing and prevent hypoglycemia.
What are the most common side effects for Tresiba?
Common side effects of Tresiba and Basaglar, two long-acting insulin options for managing diabetes, can include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Weight gain
- Allergic reactions such as rash or itchiness at the injection site
- Swelling in your hands or feet
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid heart rate.
It's also worth noting that both medications may cause severe, life-threatening allergic reactions in rare cases. These could involve difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; extreme drowsiness; feeling light-headed or fainting.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Tresiba?
While both Tresiba and Basaglar are long-acting insulins used to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes, they may cause different side effects. Potential serious side effects from Tresiba include:
- Unusual mood changes or thoughts of self-harm
- Signs of allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat;
- Vision problems, such as blurred vision or seeing halos around lights;
- Rapid heart rate, chest discomfort, shortness of breath and sudden dizziness (which could be signs of low potassium); low sodium levels - headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness; severe hypoglycemia - shaking hands/tremors, confusion/fast heartbeat/feeling jittery.
In contrast to Tresiba's potential symptoms listed above; Basaglar can have these serious side effects:
- Allergic reactions such as skin rash over the whole body, trouble breathing/a fast heartbeat/sweating. swelling/thickening/darkening skin where you injected insulin.
If any of these occur after taking either medication please promptly seek medical attention.
What are the most common side effects for Basaglar?
Basaglar, like other insulin medications, may cause some side effects. Not everyone experiences these but it's important to be aware of them:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Weight gain
- Allergic reactions such as itching or rash
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling and itching at the injection site)
- Mild headache or dizziness
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle pain
However, because every individual is different, always discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider before choosing a medication.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Basaglar?
While Basaglar is generally a safe and effective insulin for managing diabetes, it can occasionally cause serious side effects. These include:
- Signs of allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- Breathing problems
- Sudden weight gain
- Swelling of the ankles, feet, hands
- Unusually weak or tiredness
- Low blood sugar symptoms which may include feeling anxious; confusion; difficulty focusing; hunger; fast heartbeat; headache
- High blood sugar symptoms which might include dry mouth; dry skin; drowsiness or sleepiness
If you experience any such issues while using Basaglar, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Contraindications for Tresiba and Basaglar?
Both Tresiba and Basaglar, along with most other insulin medications, may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some people. If you notice symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, or unusual hunger, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Tresiba nor Basaglar should be taken if you are using thiazolidinediones (TZDs), a type of diabetes medication that can increase the risk of heart failure when combined with insulin. Always inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking; TZDs require an interval to clear from your system before starting on Tresiba or Basaglar to prevent dangerous interactions.
Furthermore, it's important to remember that both insulins should never be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe unless instructed by a healthcare professional. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding dosage adjustments and monitor your blood glucose levels regularly while using these medications.
How much do Tresiba and Basaglar cost?
For the brand name versions of these insulin drugs:
- The price for a single pen of Tresiba (3 mL) averages around $150, which works out to about $5 per day if you're taking 20 units.
- The price for a single pen of Basaglar (3 mL) is slightly lower, averaging about $140, which comes out to approximately $4.60 per day at the same dosage.
Thus, if your daily requirement falls within this range or higher, then Basaglar tends to be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis than Tresiba. Please note that cost should not be a primary consideration in determining which of these insulins is right for you.
As it stands currently there are no generic forms available for either Tresiba or Basaglar due to patent protections and the complexity involved in manufacturing biosimilar insulins; thus prices remain high compared with most other medications.
Popularity of Tresiba and Basaglar
Insulin Degludec, in generic form as well as brand names such as Tresiba, was estimated to have been prescribed to about 2.1 million people in the US in 2020. Insulin Degludec accounted for approximately 3% of insulin prescriptions in the US. However, it appears to be an increasingly common choice among long-acting insulins due to its ultra-long duration of action (up to 42 hours). The prevalence of Insulin Degludec has been generally increasing since its approval by FDA in 2015.
Insulin Glargine U100, including brand versions such as Basaglar, was prescribed to roughly 4 million people in the USA during the same period. In the US, this drug accounts for just over 25% of basal insulin prescriptions and around a fifth of all insulin prescriptions overall. The prevalence of Insulin Glargine U100 has also increased over time but at a slower pace compared with Insulin Degludec.
Conclusion
Both Tresiba (insulin degludec) and Basaglar (insulin glargine) are long-acting insulin analogs used in the management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They have proven their efficacy in controlling blood glucose levels, as shown by a number of clinical studies. Depending on individual health profiles, these insulins may be employed alone or combined with other antidiabetic agents for optimal glycemic control.
Tresiba is active for up to 42 hours while Basaglar delivers its effect over about 24 hours. The extended duration of action provided by Tresiba allows for more flexibility in dosing time compared with Basaglar.
In terms of cost-effectiveness, Basaglar holds an advantage being typically less expensive than Tresiba; however, your insurance plan may affect this consideration significantly.
As far as side effects go, they share similar profiles including hypoglycemia risk and potential weight gain among others. As always when starting new diabetic treatments or making changes to existing regimens, patients must monitor their blood glucose levels closely and contact a healthcare professional if unexpected fluctuations occur.