Dosage Forms
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Subcutaneous:
Tresiba: 100 units/mL (10 mL) [contains metacresol, phenol]
Solution Pen-injector, Subcutaneous:
Tresiba FlexTouch: 100 units/mL (3 mL); 200 units/mL (3 mL) [contains metacresol, phenol]
Pharmacology
Mechanism of Action
Insulin acts via specific membrane-bound receptors on target tissues to regulate metabolism of carbohydrate, protein, and fats. Target organs for insulin include the liver, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue.
Within the liver, insulin stimulates hepatic glycogen synthesis. Insulin promotes hepatic synthesis of fatty acids, which are released into the circulation as lipoproteins. Skeletal muscle effects of insulin include increased protein synthesis and increased glycogen synthesis. Within adipose tissue, insulin stimulates the processing of circulating lipoproteins to provide free fatty acids, facilitating triglyceride synthesis and storage by adipocytes; also directly inhibits the hydrolysis of triglycerides. In addition, insulin stimulates the cellular uptake of amino acids and increases cellular permeability to several ions, including potassium, magnesium, and phosphate. By activating sodium-potassium ATPases, insulin promotes the intracellular movement of potassium.
Normally secreted by the pancreas, insulin products are manufactured for pharmacologic use through recombinant DNA technology using either E. coli or Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Insulin degludec differs from human insulin by the omission of the amino acid threonine in position B-30 of the B-chain, and the subsequent addition of a side chain composed of glutamic acid and a C16 fatty acid. Insulins are categorized based on the onset, peak, and duration of effect (eg, rapid-, short-, intermediate-, and long-acting insulin). Insulin degludec is a long-acting, human insulin analog.
Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics
Onset of Action
~1 hour
Time to Peak
9 hours
Half-Life Elimination
~25 hours (independent of dose)
Protein Binding
>99% (albumin)
Use: Labeled Indications
Diabetes mellitus: To improve glycemic control in patients 1 year of age and older with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to insulin degludec or any component of the formulation; during episodes of hypoglycemia
Documentation of allergenic cross-reactivity for insulin is limited. However, because of similarities in chemical structure and/or pharmacologic actions, the possibility of cross-sensitivity cannot be ruled out with certainty.
Dosage and Administration
Dosing: Adult
Note: Insulin degludec is a long-acting insulin. Insulin requirements vary dramatically between patients and dictates frequent monitoring and close medical supervision.
Diabetes mellitus, type 1: SubQ:
Note: Insulin degludec must be used concomitantly with rapid- or short-acting insulins (ie, multiple daily injection regimen). The total daily doses (TDD) presented below are expressed as the total units/kg/day of all insulin formulations combined.
General insulin dosing:
Initial TDD: ~0.4 to 0.5 units/kg/day; conservative initial doses of 0.2 to 0.4 units/kg/day may be considered to avoid the potential for hypoglycemia; higher initial doses may be required in patients who are obese, sedentary, or presenting with ketoacidosis (AACE/ACE [Handelsman 2015]; ADA 2019).
Usual TDD maintenance range: 0.4 to 1 units/kg/day in divided doses (ADA 2019)
Division of TDD (multiple daily injections):
Basal insulin: Generally, 40% to 50% of the TDD is given as basal insulin (intermediate- or long-acting) (AACE/ACE [Handelsman 2015]; ADA 2019). Insulin degludec is administered once daily.
Prandial insulin: The remaining portion (ie, 50% to 60%) of the TDD is then divided and administered before or at mealtimes (depending on the formulation) as a rapid-acting (eg, aspart, glulisine, lispro; insulin for inhalation) or short-acting (regular) insulin (AACE/ACE [Handelsman 2015]; ADA 2019).
Dosage adjustment: Dosage must be titrated to achieve glucose control and avoid hypoglycemia. Adjust dose to maintain premeal and bedtime glucose in target range. Since combinations of agents are frequently used, dosage adjustment must address the individual component of the insulin regimen that most directly influences the blood glucose value in question, based on the known onset and duration of the insulin component. Treatment and monitoring regimens must be individualized. To minimize hypoglycemia risk, basal insulins are generally titrated once or twice weekly (eg, every 3 to 7 days) (ADA 2019; McCall 2012).
Diabetes mellitus, type 2: SubQ: Note: Basal insulin therapy is usually initiated if adequate glycemic control has not been achieved with step-wise trials of metformin ± other noninsulin agents. However, if HbA1c ≥10%, blood glucose is ≥300 mg/dL or if patient is symptomatic (eg, polyuria, polydipsia), insulin (with or without additional agents) should be considered as part of initial therapy. Use of long-acting basal analogs may be preferred if minimization of hypoglycemia is a primary concern (AACE/ACE [Garber 2019]; ADA 2019).
Initial: 10 units once daily or 0.1 to 0.2 units/kg once daily (ADA 2019). If HbA1c >8% prior to initiation of basal insulin, 0.2 to 0.3 units/kg once daily is recommended (AACE/ACE [Garber 2019]).
Dosage adjustment (AACE/ACE [Garber 2019]); ADA 2019):
To reach fasting blood glucose target: Adjust dose by 2 units every 3 days to reach fasting plasma glucose target while avoiding hypoglycemia
For hypoglycemia: If no clear reason for hypoglycemia, decrease dose by 10% to 20%; for severe hypoglycemia (ie, requiring assistance from another person or blood glucose <40 mg/dL) reduce dose by 20% to 40%
Dosage adjustment when adding prandial insulin (ADA 2019):Consider reducing the basal insulin dose by 4 units (or ~10%) if HbA1c is <8% when initiating prandial insulin.
Patients with diabetes undergoing surgery (ADA 2019): SubQ: On the morning of surgery or procedure, give 60% to 80% of the usual dose of long-acting analogs (eg, degludec, detemir, or glargine).
Conversion from other long or intermediate-acting insulins to insulin degludec: Initiate insulin degludec with the same unit dose as the total daily long or intermediate-acting insulin unit dose from which the patient is being converted.
Missed dose: Administer as soon as possible; ensure at least 8 hours between consecutive doses.
Dosing: Geriatric
Refer to adult dosing.
Dosing: Pediatric
The general objective of insulin replacement therapy is to approximate the physiologic pattern of insulin secretion. This requires a basal level of insulin throughout the day, supplemented by additional insulin at mealtimes. Since combinations using different types of insulins are frequently used, dosage adjustment must address the individual component of the insulin regimen which most directly influences the blood glucose value in question, based on the known onset and duration of the insulin component. The frequency of doses and monitoring must be individualized in consideration of the patient's ability to manage therapy.
Insulin degludec is a long-acting insulin administered by SubQ injection. When compared to insulin regular, insulin degludec has a slower onset and a longer duration of activity. Changing the basal insulin component from another insulin to insulin degludec requires a dose reduction to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia. Insulin requirements vary dramatically between patients and dictates frequent monitoring and close medical supervision.
Note: U-200 FlexTouch pens do not allow odd numbered dosing of insulin units; patients requiring odd numbered doses should use the U-100 FlexTouch pen.
Type 1 diabetes mellitus: Children and Adolescents: Note: Multiple daily doses are utilized and guided by blood glucose monitoring. Combinations of insulin formulations are commonly used. The daily doses presented below are expressed as the total units/kg/day of all insulin formulations used. Insulin degludec must be used in combination with a short-acting insulin.
General insulin dosing:
Usual maintenance range: SubQ: 0.5 to 1 unit/kg/day in divided doses; doses must be individualized; however, an estimate can be determined based on phase of diabetes and level of maturity (ISPAD [Couper 2014]; ISPAD [Danne 2014])
Partial remission phase (Honeymoon phase): <0.5 units/kg/day
Prepubertal children (not in partial remission): 0.7 to 1 units/kg/day
Pubescent Children and Adolescents: During puberty, requirements may substantially increase to >1.2 unit/kg/day and in some cases up to 2 units/kg/day
Division of daily insulin requirement ("conventional therapy"): Generally, 50% to 75% of the daily insulin dose is given as an intermediate- or long-acting form of insulin (in 1 to 2 daily injections). The remaining portion of the 24-hour insulin requirement is divided and administered as either regular insulin or a rapid-acting form of insulin at the same time before breakfast and dinner.
Division of daily insulin requirement ("intensive therapy"): Basal insulin delivery with 1 or 2 doses of intermediate- or long-acting insulin formulations superimposed with doses of rapid- or very rapid-acting insulin formulations 3 or more times daily
Adjustment of dose: Dosage must be titrated to achieve glucose control and avoid hypoglycemia. Adjust dose to maintain premeal and bedtime glucose in target range. Since combinations of agents are frequently used, dosage adjustment must address the individual component of the insulin regimen which most directly influences the blood glucose value in question, based on the known onset and duration of the insulin component.
Insulin degludec-specific dosing: Children and Adolescents: SubQ: Note: Not recommended for patients requiring less than 5 units of insulin degludec.
Insulin-naive patients: Approximately one-third to one-half of the total daily insulin requirement administered as insulin degludec once daily; remainder of total daily dose should be given as a short- or rapid-acting insulin and divided between each daily meal (general rule for initial total daily insulin dose: 0.2 to 0.4 units/kg/day).
Insulin-experienced patients: Initiate insulin degludec at 80% of the total daily long- or intermediate-acting insulin unit dose from which the patient is being converted.
Dosage adjustment: Individualize and titrate dose every 3 to 4 days based on patient’s metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Children ≥10 years and Adolescents: Note: Not recommended for patients requiring less than 5 units of insulin degludec.
General insulin dosing: SubQ: The goal of therapy is to achieve an HbA1c <6.5% as quickly as possible using the safe titration of medications. Initial therapy in metabolically unstable patients (eg, plasma glucose ≥250 mg/dL, HbA1c >9% and symptoms excluding acidosis) may include once daily intermediate acting insulin or basal insulin in combination with lifestyle changes and metformin. In patients who fail to achieve glycemic goals with metformin and basal insulin, may consider initiating prandial insulin (regular insulin or rapid acting insulin) and titrate to achieve goals. Once initial goal reached, insulin should be slowly tapered and the patient transitioned to lowest effective doses or metformin monotherapy if able (AAP [Copeland 2013]; ISPAD [Zeitler 2014]). Note: Patients who are ketotic or present with ketoacidosis require aggressive management as indicated.
Insulin degludec-specific dosing: Note: Not recommended for patients requiring less than 5 units of insulin degludec.
Insulin-naive patients: Initial: 10 units once daily
Insulin-experienced patients: Initiate insulin degludec at 80% of the total daily long- or intermediate-acting insulin unit dose from which the patient is being converted
Dosage adjustment: Individualize and titrate dose every 3 to 4 days based on patient’s metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goal
Administration
Subcutaneous: For subcutaneous administration into the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen; do not administer IM or IV, or in an insulin infusion pump. Absorption rates vary amongst injection sites; be consistent with area used while rotating injection sites within the same region to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis. Rotating from an injection site where lipodystrophy/cutaneous amyloidosis is present to an unaffected site may increase risk of hypoglycemia. Insulin degludec should be administered once daily at any time of the day. Multidose vials should be used in patients requiring <5 units per day.
FlexTouch pens: Do not perform dose conversion when using the FlexTouch pen. The dose window for both U-100 and U-200 FlexTouch pens show the number of insulin units to be delivered and no conversion is needed. U-200 FlexTouch pens do not allow odd numbered dosing of insulin units; patients requiring odd numbered doses should use the U-100 FlexTouch pen. Do not dilute or mix insulin degludec with any other insulin formulation or solution; do not transfer from the FlexTouch pen into a syringe for administration.
Vials: Administer using U-100 insulin syringes.
Dietary Considerations
Individualized medical nutrition therapy (MNT) based on ADA recommendations is an integral part of therapy.
Storage
Store not in use (unopened) pens or vials at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) until expiration date, or at room temperature below 30°C (86°F) for up to 56 days (8 weeks). Do not freeze or use if solution has been frozen. Do not store pens or vials directly adjacent to the refrigerator cooling element. Store vials in original carton to protect from light.
Store in use (opened) pens or vials at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) or at room temperature (below 30°C [86°F]) for up to 56 days (8 weeks); protect from direct heat and light.
Drug Interactions
Alpha-Lipoic Acid: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Androgens: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Exceptions: Danazol. Monitor therapy
Antidiabetic Agents: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy
Beta-Blockers: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Exceptions: Levobunolol; Metipranolol. Monitor therapy
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Management: Consider a decrease in insulin dose when initiating therapy with a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor and monitor patients for hypoglycemia. Consider therapy modification
Direct Acting Antiviral Agents (HCV): May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Edetate CALCIUM Disodium: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Monitor therapy
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Management: Consider insulin dose reductions when used in combination with glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. Exceptions: Liraglutide. Consider therapy modification
Guanethidine: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Herbs (Hypoglycemic Properties): May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy
Hyperglycemia-Associated Agents: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of other Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy
Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents: Antidiabetic Agents may enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Hypoglycemia-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy
Liraglutide: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Management: If liraglutide is used for the treatment of diabetes (Victoza), consider insulin dose reductions. The combination of liraglutide and insulin should be avoided if liraglutide is used exclusively for weight loss (Saxenda). Consider therapy modification
Macimorelin: Insulins may diminish the diagnostic effect of Macimorelin. Avoid combination
Maitake: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Metreleptin: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Management: Insulin dosage adjustments (including potentially large decreases) may be required to minimize the risk for hypoglycemia with concurrent use of metreleptin. Monitor closely. Consider therapy modification
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Pegvisomant: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Pioglitazone: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Insulins. Specifically, the risk for hypoglycemia, fluid retention, and heart failure may be increased with this combination. Management: If insulin is combined with pioglitazone, dose reductions should be considered to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor patients for fluid retention and signs/symptoms of heart failure. Consider therapy modification
Pramlintide: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Management: Upon initiation of pramlintide, decrease mealtime insulin dose by 50% to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose frequently and individualize further insulin dose adjustments based on glycemic control. Consider therapy modification
Prothionamide: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Quinolones: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Quinolones may diminish the therapeutic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Specifically, if an agent is being used to treat diabetes, loss of blood sugar control may occur with quinolone use. Monitor therapy
Ritodrine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Rosiglitazone: Insulins may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Rosiglitazone. Specifically, the risk of fluid retention, heart failure, and hypoglycemia may be increased with this combination. Avoid combination
Salicylates: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Blood Glucose Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy
Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors: May enhance the hypoglycemic effect of Insulins. Management: Consider a decrease in insulin dose when initiating therapy with a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and monitor patients for hypoglycemia. Consider therapy modification
Thiazide and Thiazide-Like Diuretics: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Antidiabetic Agents. Monitor therapy
Adverse Reactions
10%:
Central nervous system: Headache (9% to 12%)
Endocrine & metabolic: Severe hypoglycemia (type 1 diabetics on combination insulin therapy: 10% to 18%; type 2 diabetics on combination therapy: ≤5%)
Immunologic: Antibody development
Respiratory: Nasopharyngitis (13% to 24%), upper respiratory tract infection (8% to 12%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Peripheral edema (type 2 diabetes: 3%; type 1 diabetes: <1%)
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (type 2 diabetes: 6%), gastroenteritis (type 1 diabetes: 5%)
Local: Injection site reaction (4%; including discoloration, erythema, hematoma, hemorrhage, mass, nodules, pain, pruritus)
Respiratory: Sinusitis (type 1 diabetes: 5%)
Frequency not defined: Endocrine & metabolic: Hypokalemia, weight gain
<1%, postmarketing and/or case reports: Hypersensitivity reaction, hypertrophy at injection site (lipohypertrophy), lipoatrophy at injection site, urticaria
Warnings/Precautions
Concerns related to adverse effects:
- Glycemic control: Hyper- or hypoglycemia may result from changes in insulin strength, manufacturer, type, and/or administration method. The most common adverse effect of insulin is hypoglycemia. The timing of hypoglycemia differs among various insulin formulations. Hypoglycemia may result from changes in meal pattern (eg, macronutrient content, timing of meals), changes in the level of physical activity, increased work or exercise without eating, or changes to coadministered medications. Use of long-acting insulin preparations (eg, insulin degludec, insulin detemir, insulin glargine) may delay recovery from hypoglycemia. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at a higher risk. Symptoms differ in patients and may change over time in the same patient; awareness may be less pronounced in those with long-standing diabetes, diabetic nerve disease, patients taking beta-blockers, or in those who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. Profound and prolonged episodes of hypoglycemia may result in convulsions, unconsciousness, temporary or permanent brain damage, or even death. Insulin requirements may be altered during illness, emotional disturbances, or other stressors. Instruct patients to use caution with ethanol; may increase risk of hypoglycemia.
- Hypersensitivity: Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, may occur. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue therapy.
- Hypokalemia: Insulin (especially IV insulin) causes a shift of potassium from the extracellular space to the intracellular space, possibly producing hypokalemia. If left untreated, hypokalemia may result in respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia and even death. Use with caution in patients at risk for hypokalemia (eg, loop diuretic use). Monitor serum potassium and supplement potassium when necessary.
Disease-related concerns:
- Bariatric surgery:
– Type 2 diabetes, hypoglycemia: Closely monitor insulin dose requirement throughout active weight loss with a goal of eliminating antidiabetic therapy or transitioning to agents without hypoglycemic potential; hypoglycemia after gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric band may occur (Mechanick 2013). Insulin secretion and sensitivity may be partially or completely restored early after these procedures (gastric bypass is most effective, followed by sleeve and finally band) (Korner 2009; Peterli 2012). Monitoring of hospital insulin requirements is recommended to guide discharge insulin dose. Rates and timing of type 2 diabetes improvement and resolution vary widely by patient; insulin dose reduction of 75% has been suggested after gastric bypass for patients without severe β-cell failure (fasting c-peptide <0.3 nmol/L) (Cruijsen 2014).
– Weight gain: Evaluate risk versus benefit and consider alternative therapy after gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric banding; weight gain may occur (Apovian 2015).
- Cardiac disease: Concurrent use with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists, including thiazolidinediones (TZDs) may cause dose-related fluid retention and lead to or exacerbate heart failure, particularly when used in combination with insulin. If PPAR-gamma agonists are prescribed, monitor for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure develops, consider PPAR-gamma agonist dosage reduction or therapy discontinuation.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis: Should not be used in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA); use of an IV rapid acting or short acting insulin is preferred.
- Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dosage requirements may be reduced.
- Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dosage requirements may be reduced.
Concurrent drug therapy issues:
- Drug-drug interactions: Potentially significant interactions may exist, requiring dose or frequency adjustment, additional monitoring, and/or selection of alternative therapy. Consult drug interactions database for more detailed information.
Special populations:
- Hospitalized patients with diabetes: Exclusive use of a sliding scale insulin regimen (insulin regular) in the inpatient hospital setting is strongly discouraged. In the critical care setting, continuous IV insulin infusion (insulin regular) has been shown to best achieve glycemic targets. In noncritically ill patients with either poor oral intake or taking nothing by mouth, basal insulin or basal plus bolus is preferred. In noncritically ill patients with adequate nutritional intake, a combination of basal insulin, nutritional, and correction components is preferred. An effective insulin regimen will achieve the goal glucose range without the risk of severe hypoglycemia. A blood glucose value <70 mg/dL should prompt a treatment regimen review and change, if necessary, to prevent further hypoglycemia (ADA 2019).
- Obesity: A decrease in glucose lowering effect of insulin degludec with increasing body mass index (BMI) has been observed.
Dosage form specific issues:
- Multiple dose injection pens: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pen-shaped injection devices should never be used for more than one person (even when the needle is changed) because of the risk of infection. The injection device should be clearly labeled with individual patient information to ensure that the correct pen is used (CDC 2012).
Other warnings/precautions:
- Administration: Insulin degludec is a clear solution, but it is NOT intended for IV or IM administration or via an insulin pump.
- Patient education: Diabetes self-management education (DSME) is essential to maximize the effectiveness of therapy.
Monitoring Parameters
Diabetes mellitus: Plasma glucose (typically before meals and snacks and at bedtime; occasionally additional monitoring may be required), electrolytes, HbA1c (at least twice yearly in patients who have stable glycemic control and are meeting treatment goals; quarterly in patients not meeting treatment goals or with therapy change [ADA 2019]), lipid profile, renal function, hepatic function, weight
Gestational diabetes mellitus: Blood glucose 4 times daily (1 fasting and 3 postprandial) until well controlled, then as appropriate (ACOG 190 2018).
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Considerations
Information specific to the use of insulin degludec in pregnancy is limited (Bonora 2018; Formoso 2018; Hiranput 2018; Milluzzo 2017).
Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can be associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, including diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, delivery complications, major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia. To prevent adverse outcomes, prior to conception and throughout pregnancy, maternal blood glucose and HbA1c should be kept as close to target goals as possible but without causing significant hypoglycemia (ADA 2020; Blumer 2013).
Due to pregnancy-induced physiologic changes, insulin requirements tend to increase as pregnancy progresses, requiring frequent monitoring and dosage adjustments. Following delivery, insulin requirements decrease rapidly (ACOG 201 2018; ADA 2020).
Insulin is the preferred treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus in pregnancy, as well as gestational diabetes mellitus when pharmacologic therapy is needed. Agents other than insulin degludec are currently recommended to treat diabetes mellitus in pregnancy (ACOG 190 2018; ACOG 201 2018; ADA 2020).
Patient Education
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to lower blood sugar in patients with high blood sugar (diabetes).
Frequently reported side effects of this drug
- Nasal irritation
- Throat irritation
- Common cold symptoms
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Injection site irritation
Other side effects of this drug: Talk with your doctor right away if you have any of these signs of:
- Low blood sugar like dizziness, headache, fatigue, feeling weak, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating.
- Low potassium like muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or an abnormal heartbeat.
- Vision changes
- Chills
- Severe dizziness
- Passing out
- Seizures
- Injection site thick skin, pits, or lumps
- Mood changes
- Slurred speech
- Shortness of breath
- Excessive weight gain
- Swelling of arms or legs
- Signs of a significant reaction like wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
