← Search & browse all drugs
ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › DRUGS USED IN DIABETES › INSULINS AND ANALOGUES › Insulins and analogues for injection, long-acting
insulin degludec
A10AE06
Forms & Strengths
- Injection: 100 units/mL in 3 mL FlexTouch pen
- Injection: 200 units/mL in 3 mL FlexTouch pen
- Injection: 100 units/mL in 10 mL vial (Tresiba)
Adult Dosing
- Type 1 Diabetes: Typically 30% to 50% of total daily insulin requirement, administered subcutaneously once daily in combination with rapid-acting insulin.
- Type 2 Diabetes (treatment-naive): Initial 10 units subcutaneously once daily at any time of day, titrated based on glycemic response.
Pediatric Dosing
- Type 1 Diabetes (1 year and older): Initial 30% to 50% of total daily insulin requirement subcutaneously once daily, combined with mealtime insulin, adjusted based on clinical response.
Indications
- Improvement of glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 1 year and older with diabetes mellitus
Mechanism of Action
- Forms multi-hexamers upon subcutaneous injection, resulting in a slow, continuous depot release of insulin degludec into the circulation.
- Binds to insulin receptors, lowering blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of glucose and inhibiting hepatic glucose production.
Contraindications
- During episodes of hypoglycemia
- Hypersensitivity to insulin degludec or any of its excipients
Adverse Reactions
- Hypoglycemia
- Allergic reactions and hypersensitivity
- Injection site reactions (lipodystrophy, rash, pruritus)
- Weight gain
- Edema
Drug Interactions
- Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, MAOIs, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, propoxyphene, salicylates, somatostatin analogs, and sulfonamides may increase hypoglycemic risk.
- Atypical antipsychotics, corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, sympathomimetics, and thyroid hormones may decrease blood glucose-lowering effect.
- Beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium, and alcohol may either potentiate or weaken the blood glucose-lowering effects of insulin.
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use