Uses
What is Tresiba used for?
Tresiba (insulin degludec) is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Tresiba may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Tresiba work (mechanism of action)?
Tresiba works to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. Tresiba provides a substance called insulin that works throughout the day. Insulin helps absorb sugar from the blood and reduce sugar production from the liver.
How is Tresiba supplied (dosage forms)?
Tresiba is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin.
- 100 units/mL solution for injection (vial and FlexTouch pen)
- 200 units/mL solution for injection (FlexTouch pen)
How should I store Tresiba?
Store unopened Tresiba in a refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) until the expiration date on the label or at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for up to 56 days.
Store opened Tresiba in a refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) or at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for up to 56 days.
Store Tresiba in the original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze Tresiba.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Tresiba?
The most common side effects of Tresiba are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Low blood sugar (see below)
- Allergic reactions, such as rash and itching (see below)
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the the injection site
- More or less fat tissue at the site of Tresiba injection
- Swelling from extra fluid (edema)
- Weight gain
There may be other side effects of Tresiba that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Tresiba?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Tresiba are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Tresiba can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not use Tresiba and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Severe Allergic Reactions. Tresiba can cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Tresiba and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Tresiba can cause a low potassium level (hypokalemia), which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.
- Weakness
- Unusual tiredness
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Constipation
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Tresiba?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Tresiba.
- Tresiba
- Insulin degludec
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Tresiba.
Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia). Tresiba should not be used when you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Be familiar with the symptoms of low blood sugar, including dizziness, sweating, confusion, and shakiness. Ask your healthcare provider about your blood sugar levels and when to check them.
What should I know about Tresiba before using it?
Do not use Tresiba unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Tresiba with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Do not reuse or share needles with other people because you may get a serious infection.
Keep Tresiba out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
Be careful if you are using multiple insulin products. To prevent a medicine mistake, do not use a syringe to remove Tresiba from the FlexTouch pen. Before any injection of insulin, check the insulin label.
Do not use the same exact spot for each Tresiba injection. Do not inject where your skin is thickened or bruised.
Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Tresiba affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Tresiba?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Tresiba is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- No awareness of low blood sugar level
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Heart Failure. Tresiba may increase your risk of heart failure when used with other diabetes medicines for diabetes called pioglitazone (Actos) or rosiglitazone (Avandia). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Tiredness
Other Medicines and Supplements. Tresiba may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Tresiba, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section below for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Tresiba could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Tresiba while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Tresiba passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Tresiba?
For more information about Tresiba, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.Tresiba.com or call them at 800-727-6500.
Interactions
Does Tresiba interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Tresiba and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Tresiba, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of Tresiba. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does Tresiba interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Tresiba.
- Any other medicine for diabetes
- An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and certain kidney problems
- An angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), which is a medicine for high blood pressure, heart failure, and other heart conditions
- A salicylate, such as aspirin
- A sulfonamide antibiotic, such as sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra)
- A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
- Disopyramide, which is a medicine for irregular heartbeat
- Pentoxifylline (Trental), which is a medicine to improve blood flow
- A corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
- A beta-blocker, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine, which are medicines for high blood pressure
- Fluoxetine or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), which are medicines for depression
- An antipsychotic such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) or clozapine (Clozaril), which are medicines for certain mental health conditions
- Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid), which is a medicine for bipolar disorder
- Pentamidine, which is a medicine for certain infections
- Disopyramide (Norpace), which is a medicine for irregular heart rhythm
- Danazol
- An estrogen or progestogen, such as a birth control pill
- Isoniazid, which is a medicine for certain infections
- A phenothiazine, such as promethazine (Phenergan), which is a medicine for nausea
- Niacin or a fibrate such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which are medicines for high cholesterol
- A protease inhibitor, which is a medicine for HIV
- Somatropin
- Octreotide
- A thyroid hormone, such as levothyroxine
- Albuterol, epinephrine, or terbutaline
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Tresiba?
If you or someone else has used too much Tresiba, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Tresiba?
If you are an adult and you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember if there is at least 8 hours before your next dose. Do not use double or extra doses. Call your healthcare provider if a child misses a dose to get instruction for checking blood sugar levels until the next scheduled dose.
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