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Tresiba vs Toujeo
Introduction
For individuals with diabetes, certain long-acting insulins can help in managing blood sugar levels and controlling symptoms. Tresiba and Toujeo are two such drugs that are often prescribed to diabetics. They each have different effects on the body's insulin production, but both aim to maintain a stable glucose level for patients with diabetes. Tresiba (Insulin Degludec) is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin, maintaining its effect for over 42 hours after injection allowing flexibility of dosing time once daily. On the other hand, Toujeo (Insulin Glargine U300) is also a long-acting basal insulin but it maintains consistent levels for about 24 hours requiring more stringent dosing schedules compared to Tresiba.
What is Tresiba?
Insulin degludec (the generic name for Tresiba) is a long-acting basal insulin analogue, which heralded a significant progression in the realm of diabetes treatment from earlier forms of insulin. Tresiba was first approved by the FDA in 2015, and it's designed to provide all-day and all-night blood sugar control with just one daily injection. It works by mimicking the function of naturally occurring insulin by allowing glucose to enter cells thus lowering levels of glucose in the bloodstream.
On the other hand, Insulin glargine (known as Toujeo), another long-acting basal insulin analogue, also provides consistent blood sugar control throughout the day but has been reported to cause less nocturnal hypoglycaemia than older long-acting insulins. Both drugs are used for managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, they differ slightly in their chemical structure and duration of action. This results in their different dosing regimen where Tresiba might offer more flexibility due to its longer half-life compared to Toujeo.
What conditions is Tresiba approved to treat?
Tresiba has been approved for the treatment of various forms of diabetes:
- Diabetes mellitus type 1 (in combination with mealtime insulin in adults and pediatric patients who are at least one year old)
- Diabetes mellitus type 2 (for adults)
How does Tresiba help with these illnesses?
Tresiba helps to manage diabetes by slowly releasing insulin into the bloodstream over a span of 24 hours. It does this through its unique formulation, in which insulin molecules are linked together in long chains and then gradually broken down, allowing for steady levels of insulin availability throughout the day and night. Insulin is a hormone that plays a vital role in metabolism, specifically in regulating blood glucose levels. People with diabetes either don't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, by providing a longer-lasting source of insulin, Tresiba can effectively control high blood sugar levels and help patients manage their condition more smoothly compared to other insulins.
What is Toujeo?
Toujeo is a brand name for insulin glargine, which is a long-acting basal insulin analogue, meaning it helps control blood sugar levels by mimicking the slow steady release of natural human insulin throughout the day. It achieves this effect through its unique formulation that allows a gradual absorption from subcutaneous tissue to bloodstream resulting in consistent glucose-lowering effect over time. Toujeo was first approved by the FDA in 2015 and has been developed as an ultra-long-acting insulin with once-daily dosing offering up to 36 hours of steady blood sugar control.
Unlike Tresiba, another long-acting basal insulin (insulin degludec), Toujeo does not have flexibility in daily injection times. However, both drugs are designed to help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of hypoglycaemia - a common side effect experienced when using some other diabetes medications.
It's also worth mentioning that different patients may respond differently to these medications due to individual variations hence always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes or decisions about your diabetes management plan.
What conditions is Toujeo approved to treat?
Toujeo is FDA-approved for the management of two primary conditions:
- Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder where the body can't produce insulin
- Type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disorder that affects your body's ability to use insulin effectively
How does Toujeo help with these illnesses?
Insulin is a hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in your blood. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively. This can lead to high levels of glucose in your blood, which can cause health problems over time. Toujeo is a long-acting insulin used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the action of natural insulin, helping cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy thereby reducing overall blood sugar levels. The slow and steady release rate makes Toujeo effective at maintaining consistent glucose control throughout the day and night with less risk of low blood sugar episodes (hypoglycemia). Compared to Tresiba, another long-acting insulin, Toujeo has shown similar effectiveness but may require fewer daily injections due to its longer duration of action.
How effective are both Tresiba and Toujeo?
Both Insulin Degludec (Tresiba) and Insulin Glargine (Toujeo) are long-acting insulin analogues, providing stable blood glucose control for people with diabetes. These two medications were approved by the FDA within a few years of each other; Tresiba in 2015, and Toujeo in 2016. Both drugs work to lower blood sugar levels by mimicking the slow, steady release of insulin produced naturally by the pancreas.
A direct head-to-head trial conducted in 2017 compared Tresiba against Toujeo over a period of 26 weeks in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal or pre-mixed insulin. The study reported that both insulins provided comparable glycemic control, but noted some differences between them. Those using Tresiba had fewer episodes of hypoglycemia than those using Toujeo.
In terms of safety profiles, both drugs exhibit similar side effects common to all forms of injected insulin - injection site reactions and potential low blood sugar levels being among them. However,a review from the American Diabetes Association published in 2020 showed that patients switching from another long-acting insulin to either Tresiba or Toujeo did not experience any increased risk for serious adverse events.
While both medications have emerged as key players among long-acting insulins due to their ability to provide smooth and predictable coverage for up to 24 hours without significant peaks or troughs, they have different strengths based on individual patient needs and responses. For instance,Toujeo is available at higher concentration which can be beneficial for individuals who require large doses while Tresiba has shown greater flexibility allowing dose timing changes if needed.
At what dose is Tresiba typically prescribed?
Dosages of Tresiba for adults begin at 10 units/day, and it can be adjusted depending on individual needs. The same applies to children as young as one year old who require long-acting insulin. Meanwhile, the starting dosage for Toujeo in adults with diabetes is typically 0.2 units/kg once daily; however, this may need adjustment based on blood glucose control response over time. The maximum dosage of either drug should not exceed what your doctor has prescribed under any circumstances.
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At what dose is Toujeo typically prescribed?
The treatment with Toujeo typically begins at a dosage based on your individual needs as assessed by your healthcare provider. It is injected subcutaneously once daily, preferably at the same time each day. The dose can then be adjusted according to blood glucose levels, and it's essential not to make any changes without consulting with your health professional. Maximum dose of Toujeo isn't specified because insulin requirements vary greatly among individuals and may even vary in the same individual from day-to-day or during periods of stress or illness. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary to effectively manage diabetes and respond appropriately if there are no satisfactory improvements after a certain period.
What are the most common side effects for Tresiba?
Common side effects of Tresiba and Toujeo include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Injection site reactions, such as pain, redness or swelling
- Weight gain
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Rash, itching or hives on the skin (allergic reaction)
- Edema (swelling in your hands and feet)
More serious side effects can occur such as allergic reactions including trouble breathing, shortness of breath, fast heartbeat, sweating, feeling dizzy or lightheaded. If you experience any severe symptoms while taking these medications seek immediate medical attention.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Tresiba?
While Tresiba and Toujeo are both long-acting insulins used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, they may cause different side effects. For example:
- Severe allergic reactions: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat; rash over the whole body; trouble breathing; a fast heartbeat or feeling faint.
- Low potassium in your blood (hypokalemia): this can lead to heart rhythm problems.
- Heart failure: Taking certain diabetes pills called thiazolidinediones or "TZDs" with Tresiba or Toujeo may cause heart failure in some people. This includes shortness of breath, swelling of ankles and feet, and sudden weight gain.
In addition to these side effects common for both drugs:
Toujeo may also result in severe itching, skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy). And Tresiba could potentially lead to vision changes if your blood sugar gets too low.
If you experience any of these serious symptoms while using either medication, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
What are the most common side effects for Toujeo?
Some of the potential side effects people may experience while taking Toujeo include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Allergic reactions, such as rash, itching or swelling
- Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, and itching at the injection site)
- Weight gain
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Edema (fluid retention causing swelling in various parts of the body)
- Nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms like sore throat and stuffy nose) Please note that these side effects are not exhaustive and can vary among individuals. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Are there any potential serious side effects for Toujeo?
Toujeo, like all insulin medications, must be used with care and under professional guidance. Some individuals might experience serious side effects such as:
- Allergic reactions marked by itching, skin rash, swelling in your face or throat, difficulty breathing or severe dizziness
- Worsening of heart failure symptoms which can include shortness of breath and sudden weight gain
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) characterized by trembling, sweating excessively, feeling anxious or irritable
- Lipodystrophy at the injection site (skin changes such as thickening or pits)
- Swelling of hands/feet
Additionaly Toujeo may also cause hypokalemia (low potassium level in the blood), which could manifest through muscle cramps or weakness.
If you observe any unusual symptoms while on this medication contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Contraindications for Tresiba and Toujeo?
Both Tresiba and Toujeo, like all insulin medications, can potentially cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose). If you notice symptoms of hypoglycemia such as sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision or headache while using these drugs, please seek immediate medical attention.
Neither Tresiba nor Toujeo should be used if you are experiencing an episode of severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is crucial to inform your physician about all the other medications you are currently taking; some medications may require a period of adjustment to avoid dangerous interactions with both Tresiba and Toujeo. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diabetes treatment regimen.
How much do Tresiba and Toujeo cost?
For the brand name versions of these drugs:
- The price of Tresiba (insulin degludec) averages around $400 for a 3ml flex pen, which can last approximately one month at a typical dose. Thus, this works out to about $13-$15 per day.
- The price of Toujeo (insulin glargine) is similar, with an average cost of about $375 for a 3ml solostar pen providing insulin for roughly one month. This equates to around $12-$14 per day.
Therefore, if you are on higher dosages requiring more than one unit per kilogram body weight daily or multiple injections, then brand-name Toujeo could be less expensive on a per-day treatment basis. Remember that cost should not be your primary consideration when assessing these medications; their efficacy and how well they fit into your lifestyle are also important factors.
Please note that generic versions of either Tresiba or Toujeo do not currently exist in the market due to patent protections; hence costs remain high compared to other forms of insulin therapy. It's crucial that individuals consult with their healthcare providers in order to select the best therapeutic option based upon individual health needs and financial capacity.
Popularity of Tresiba and Toujeo
Insulin degludec, available under the brand name Tresiba, is a long-acting insulin analogue used to control high blood sugar in adults with diabetes mellitus. In 2020, approximately 1.5 million prescriptions were filled for Tresiba in the United States, making it one of the top choices among long-acting insulins.
On the other hand, insulin glargine U300 (Toujeo) is another popular long-acting basal insulin prescribed by physicians for patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. In terms of prescription volume within this class of medications in the USA during 2020, Toujeo was estimated to have been prescribed to about 1.3 million people.
Both Tresiba and Toujeo are designed to mimic your body's natural baseline secretion of insulin throughout a full day and night cycle but they differ slightly in their duration of action and dosage strength. However, both have seen steady usage over recent years due to their ability to provide consistent glucose-lowering effects with reduced risk for hypoglycemia compared to older formulations.
Conclusion
Both Tresiba (insulin degludec) and Toujeo (insulin glargine U300) are long-acting insulin products used in the management of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. They have proven efficacy in maintaining blood glucose levels, as demonstrated by numerous clinical trials and studies showing them to be more effective than placebo treatments. In some cases, these insulins may be combined with other types of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, but this is subject to careful determination by a healthcare professional considering potential interactions.
Their mechanisms of action differ slightly; Tresiba has an ultra-long duration of action that lasts beyond 42 hours while Toujeo provides steady insulin release over approximately 24 hours. This means they suit different patient needs: Tresiba offers greater flexibility in dosing time compared to Toujeo which requires dosing at the same time each day.
Neither drug currently has a generic form available, which could potentially impact cost for patients paying out-of-pocket. Both Tresiba and Toujeo might need an adjustment period as their effects on blood sugar control may not fully manifest immediately after starting treatment.
The side effect profile is somewhat similar between these two insulins; common side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), weight gain, allergic reactions, injection site reactions among others. However it's important for patients to closely monitor their blood sugar levels especially when initiating therapy or changing doses - if they notice symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia they should contact their healthcare provider promptly.