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Drugs A–Z

Insulin Degludec

Insulin Degludec is a prescription medicine (Insulin Analog). The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.

Type
Prescription only (Rx)
Brand names
Tresiba
Drug class
Insulin Analog
Taken
Subcutaneous
Label
Novo Nordisk, revised July 1, 2022 · full label on DailyMed
Biosimilars
None approved · details

What it is used for

TRESIBA is indicated to improve glycemic control in patients 1 year of age and older with diabetes mellitus. Limitations of Use

  • Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. TRESIBA is a long-acting human insulin analog indicated to improve glycemic control in patients 1 year of age and older with diabetes mellitus ( 1 ). Limitations of Use:
  • Not recommended for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Forms and strengths

Injection: Available as a clear and colorless solution:

  • 100 units/mL (U-100): 3 mL single-patient-use FlexTouch prefilled pen
  • 100 units/mL (U-100): 10 mL multiple-dose vial
  • 200 units/mL (U-200): 3 mL single-patient-use FlexTouch prefilled pen Injection: Available as:
  • 100 units/mL (U-100): 3 mL single-patient-use FlexTouch ® prefilled pen ( 3 ).
  • 100 units/mL (U-100): 10 mL multiple-dose vial ( 3 ).
  • 200 units/mL (U-200): 3 mL single-patient-use FlexTouch ® prefilled pen ( 3 ).

Who should not take it (contraindications)

TRESIBA is contraindicated:

  • During episodes of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .
  • In patients with hypersensitivity to insulin degludec or any of the excipients in TRESIBA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] .
  • During episodes of hypoglycemia ( 4 ).
  • Hypersensitivity to insulin degludec or any of the excipients in TRESIBA ( 4 ).

Warnings and precautions

  • Never share a TRESIBA FlexTouch pen, insulin syringe, or needle between patients, even if the needle is changed ( 5.1 ).
  • Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia with changes in insulin regimen: Make changes to a patient’s insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring ( 5.2 ).
  • Hypoglycemia : May be life-threatening. Increase monitoring with changes to: insulin dosage, concomitant drugs, meal pattern, physical activity; and in patients with renal impairment or hepatic impairment or hypoglycemia unawareness ( 5.3 , 5.4 , 6.1 ).
  • Hypoglycemia due to medication errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products can occur. Instruct patients to check insulin labels before injection. DO NOT transfer TRESIBA from the TRESIBA pen into a syringe for administration as overdosage and severe hypoglycemia can result ( 5.4 ).
  • Hypersensitivity reactions : Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur. Discontinue TRESIBA, monitor and treat if indicated ( 5.5 ).
  • Hypokalemia: May be life-threatening. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia and treat if indicated ( 5.6 ).
  • Fluid retention and heart failure with concomitant use of Thiazolidinediones (TZDs): Observe for signs and symptoms of heart failure; consider dosage reduction or discontinuation if heart failure occurs ( 5.7 ).

5.1 Never Share a TRESIBA FlexTouch Pen, Needle, or Insulin Syringe Between Patients TRESIBA FlexTouch disposable prefilled pens should never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using TRESIBA vials should never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.

5.2 Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 , 6.3 )]. Make any changes to a patient’s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. For patients with type 2 diabetes, adjustments in concomitant anti-diabetic treatment may be needed [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )].

5.3 Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin, including TRESIBA [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place the patient and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). TRESIBA, or any insulin, should not be used during episodes of hypoglycemia [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each patient and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, using drugs that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )], or who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. The long-acting effect of TRESIBA may delay recovery from hypoglycemia compared to shorter-acting insulins. Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia The risk of hypoglycemia generally increases with intensity of glycemic control. The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 )] and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins the glucose lowering effect time course of TRESIBA may vary among different patients or at different times in the same patients and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern (e.g., macronutrient content or timing of meals), changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitant drugs [see Drug Interactions ( 7 )] . Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.6 , 8.7 )] . Risk Mitigation Strategies for Hypoglycemia Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an essential role in the prevention and management of hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended.

5.4 Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors Accidental mix-ups between insulin products, have been reported. To avoid medication errors between TRESIBA and other insulins, instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. To avoid dosing errors and potential overdose, never use a syringe to remove TRESIBA from the TRESIBA FlexTouch disposable insulin prefilled pen [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] .

5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including TRESIBA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue TRESIBA; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve. TRESIBA is contraindicated in patients who have had hypersensitivity reactions to insulin degludec or any of the excipients.

5.6 Hypokalemia All insulins, including TRESIBA, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia if indicated (e.g., patients using potassium-lowering medications, patients taking medications sensitive to serum potassium concentrations).

5.7 Fluid Retention and Congestive Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of a PPAR Gamma Agonist Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma agonists can cause dose related fluid retention, when used in combination with insulin. Fluid retention may lead to or exacerbate congestive heart failure. Patients treated with insulin, including TRESIBA and a PPAR-gamma agonist should be observed for signs and symptoms of congestive heart failure. If congestive heart failure develops, it should be managed according to current standards of care and discontinuation or dose reduction of the PPAR-gamma agonist must be considered.

Side effects (adverse reactions)

The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere:

  • Hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]
  • Hypoglycemia due to Medication errors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )]
  • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]
  • Hypokalemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Adverse reactions commonly associated with TRESIBA are:
  • hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, edema and weight gain ( 6.1 ). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

6.1 Clinical Trial Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of TRESIBA in subjects with type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes was evaluated in nine trials of 6-12 month duration in adults and in one trial of 12-month duration in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with type 1 diabetes. The cardiovascular safety of TRESIBA was evaluated in one double-blinded, event-driven trial of 2-year median duration in patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular events [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. The data in Table 1 reflect the exposure of 1102 adults with type 1 diabetes to TRESIBA with a mean exposure duration to TRESIBA of 34 weeks in three open-label trials; Study A, B and C [see Clinical Studies (14.1)] . The mean age was 43 years and 1% were older than 75 years. Fifty-seven percent were male, 81% were White, 2% were Black or African American and 4% were Hispanic. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 26 kg/m 2 . The mean duration of diabetes was 18 years and the mean HbA 1c at baseline was 7.8%. A history of neuropathy, ophthalmopathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease at baseline was reported in 11%, 16%, 7% and 0.5% respectively. The mean eGFR at baseline was 87 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and 7% of the patients had an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . The data in Table 2 reflect the exposure of 2713 adults with type 2 diabetes to TRESIBA with a mean exposure duration to TRESIBA of 36 weeks in six open-label trials; Study D, E, F, G, H and I [see Clinical Studies (14.3)] . The mean age was 58 years and 3% were older than 75 years. Fifty-eight percent were male, 71% were White, 7% were Black or African American and 13% were Hispanic. The mean BMI was 30 kg/m 2 . The mean duration of diabetes was 11 years and the mean HbA 1c at baseline was 8.3%. A history of neuropathy, ophthalmopathy, nephropathy and cardiovascular disease at baseline was reported for 14%, 10%, 6% and 0.6% of participants respectively. At baseline, the mean eGFR was 83 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and 9% had an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Common adverse reactions (excluding hypoglycemia) occurring in TRESIBA treated subjects during clinical trials in adult patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus are listed in Table 1 and Table 2, respectively. Common adverse reactions were defined as reactions occurring in ≥5% of the population studied. Hypoglycemia is not shown in these tables but discussed in a dedicated subsection below. 174 pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with type 1 diabetes were exposed to TRESIBA with a mean exposure to TRESIBA of 48 weeks. The mean age was 10 years: 25% were ages 1-5 years, 40% were ages 6-11 years, and 35% were ages 12-17 years. 55% were male, 78% were White, 3% were Black or African American and 4% were Hispanic. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 18.7 kg/m 2 . The mean duration of diabetes was 3.9 years and the mean HbA 1c at baseline was 8.2%. Common adverse reactions in TRESIBA treated pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus were similar to the adverse reactions listed in Table 1. Table 1: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥5% of TRESIBA-Treated Adult Patients with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Adverse Reaction TRESIBA (N=1,102) Nasopharyngitis 23.9 % Upper respiratory tract infection 11.9 % Headache 11.8 % Sinusitis 5.1 % Gastroenteritis 5.1 % Table 2: Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥5% of TRESIBA-Treated Adult Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Adverse Reaction TRESIBA (N=2,713) Nasopharyngitis 12.9 % Headache 8.8 % Upper respiratory tract infection 8.4 % Diarrhea 6.3 % Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia was the most commonly observed adverse reaction in patients treated with TRESIBA. The rates of reported hypoglycemia depend on the definition of hypoglycemia used, diabetes type, insulin dose, intensity of glucose control, background therapies, and other intrinsic and extrinsic patient factors. For these reasons, comparing rates of hypoglycemia in clinical trials for TRESIBA with the incidence of hypoglycemia for other products may be misleading and also, may not be representative of hypoglycemia rates that will occur in clinical practice. In the open-label adult clinical trials of patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and in the open-label pediatric clinical trial of patients with type 1 diabetes, percentages of adult and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes randomized to TRESIBA who experienced at least one episode of hypoglycemia in clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] and adults with type 2 diabetes are shown in Tables 3 and 4, respectively. Severe hypoglycemia in the open-label trials with adult patients was defined as an episode requiring assistance of another person to actively administer carbohydrate, glucagon, or other resuscitative actions. Severe hypoglycemia in the pediatric trial was defined as an altered mental status where the child could not assist in his own care, was semiconscious or unconscious, or in a coma ± convulsions and may require parenteral therapy (glucagon or intravenous glucose). A hypoglycemia episode was defined as a severe hypoglycemia episode or an episode where a laboratory or a self-measured glucose calibrated to plasma was less than 56 mg/dL or where a whole blood glucose was less than 50 mg/dL (i.e., with or without the presence of hypoglycemic symptoms). Table 3: Percent (%) of Type 1 Diabetes Patients Experiencing at Least One Episode of Severe Hypoglycemia or Hypoglycemia § on TRESIBA in Open-Label Adult and Pediatric Clinical Trials Study A Adults + insulin aspart 52 weeks Study B Adults + insulin aspart 26 weeks Study C Adults + insulin aspart 26 weeks Study J Pediatrics + insulin aspart 52 weeks TRESIBA (N=472) TRESIBA (N=301) TRESIBA at the same time each day (N=165) TRESIBA at alternating times (N=164) TRESIBA (N=174) Severe hypoglycemia* Percent of patients 12.3% 10.6% 12.7% 10.4% 17.8% Hypoglycemia § Percent of patients 95.6% 93.0% 99.4% 93.9% 98.3% * Severe hypoglycemia in pediatric patients: an episode with altered mental status, where the child could not assist in his own care, was semiconscious or unconscious, or in a coma ± convulsions and may require parenteral therapy (glucagon or intravenous glucose). § Hypoglycemia : a severe hypoglycemia episode or an episode where a laboratory or a self-measured glucose calibrated to plasma was less than 56 mg/dL or where a whole blood glucose was less than 50 mg/dL (i.e., with or without the presence of hypoglycemic symptoms). […]

Drug interactions

Table 5 includes clinically significant drug interactions with TRESIBA. Table 5: Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with TRESIBA Drugs That May Increase the Risk of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analogs (e.g., octreotide), and sulfonamide antibiotics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, SGLT-2 inhibitors. Intervention: Dosage reductions and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TRESIBA is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of TRESIBA Drugs: Atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones. Intervention: Dosage increases and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TRESIBA is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Increase or Decrease the Blood Glucose Lowering Effect of TRESIBA Drugs: Alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, and lithium salts. Pentamidine may cause hypoglycemia, which may sometimes be followed by hyperglycemia. Intervention: Dosage adjustment and increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TRESIBA is co-administered with these drugs. Drugs That May Blunt Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia Drugs: Beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine Intervention: Increased frequency of glucose monitoring may be required when TRESIBA is co-administered with these drugs.

  • Drugs that Affect Glucose Metabolism: Adjustment of insulin dosage mey be needed. ( 7 )
  • Antiandrenergic Drugs (e.g., beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine): Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia may be reduced or absent. ( 5.3 , 7 )

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults

8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from one unpublished trial and the published literature with TRESIBA use during pregnancy have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In a randomized, parallel-group, open-label actively controlled clinical trial that included 91 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes who were administered TRESIBA once daily and insulin aspart, beginning in gestational weeks 8 to 13 or prior to conception, no clear evidence of maternal or fetal risk associated with TRESIBA use was observed ( see Data ). There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy ( see Clinical Considerations ). Rats and rabbits were exposed to insulin degludec in animal reproduction studies during organogenesis. Pre-and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities were observed in rats at doses 5 times (rat) and at 10 times (rabbit) the human exposure at a dose of 0.75 U/kg/day. These effects were similar to those observed in rats administered human insulin (NPH) (see Data) . In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with a peri-conceptional HbA 1c >7 and has been reported to be as high as 20 to 25% in women with a peri-conceptional HbA 1c >10. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/fetal Risk Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia occur more frequently during pregnancy in patients with pre-gestational diabetes. Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, still birth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Data Human Data In an open-label clinical trial, 185 pregnant females with type 1 diabetes were treated with either TRESIBA (once daily) or insulin detemir (once or twice daily); both groups received insulin aspart 2 to 4 times daily with meals. There were no significant drug-associated differences in pregnancy outcomes or the health of the fetus and newborn between the two groups. In this study, the proportion of subjects with severe hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia was similar between the two treatment arms; for the definitions of severe hypoglycemia and hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Poor glucose control during pregnancy in both groups and small sample size were limitations of the study. In about two thirds of infants, insulin degludec was detected in the infant cord blood at levels above the lower level of quantification of the assay. Animal Data Insulin degludec was investigated in studies covering fertility, embryo-fetal development and pre- and post-natal development in rats and during the period of embryo-fetal development in rabbits. Human insulin (NPH insulin) was included as comparator. In these studies, insulin degludec caused pre- and post-implantation losses and visceral/skeletal abnormalities when given subcutaneously at up to 21 U/kg/day in rats and 3.3 U/kg/day in rabbits, resulting in 5 times (rat) and 10 times (rabbit) the human exposure (AUC) at a human subcutaneous dose of 0.75 U/kg/day. Overall, the effects of insulin degludec were similar to those observed with human insulin, which were probably secondary to maternal hypoglycemia.

8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of insulin degludec in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Insulin degludec is present in rat milk ( see Data) . The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for TRESIBA and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from TRESIBA or from the underlying maternal condition. Data In lactating rats, insulin degludec was present in milk at a concentration lower than that in plasma.

8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of TRESIBA to improve glycemic control in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with diabetes mellitus have been established. The use of TRESIBA for this indication is supported by evidence from an adequate and well-controlled trial and a pharmacokinetic study (trials included pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with type 1 diabetes mellitus) [ see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )]. The use of TRESIBA in pediatric patients 1 year of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus is also supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled trials in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] . In pediatric patients 1 year of age and older already on insulin therapy, start TRESIBA at a reduced dose to minimize the risk of hypoglycemia [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 )]. The safety and effectiveness of TRESIBA have not been established in pediatric patients less than 1-year-old.

8.5 Geriatric Use In controlled clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] a total of 77 (7%) of the 1102 TRESIBA-treated patients with type 1 diabetes were 65 years or older and 9 (1%) were 75 years or older. A total of 670 (25%) of the 2713 TRESIBA-treated patients with type 2 diabetes were 65 years or older and 80 (3%) were 75 years or older. Differences in safety or effectiveness were not suggested in subgroup analyses comparing subjects older than 65 years to younger subjects. In the safety outcomes trial (DEVOTE), a total of 1983 (52%) of the 3818 TRESIBA-treated patients with type 2 diabetes were 65 years or older and 381 (10%) were 75 years or older. Differences in safety or effectiveness were not observed in these subgroup analyses. Nevertheless, greater caution should be exercised when TRESIBA is administered to geriatric patients since greater sensitivity of some older individuals to the effects of TRESIBA cannot be ruled out. The initial dosing, dose increments, and maintenance dosage should be conservative to avoid hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia may be more difficult to recognize in the geriatric patients.

8.6 Renal Impairment In clinical trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] a total of 75 (7%) of the 1102 TRESIBA-treated patients with type 1 diabetes had an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and 1 (0.1%) had an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . A total of 250 (9%) of the 2713 TRESIBA-treated patients with type 2 diabetes had an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 and no subjects had an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . In the safety outcomes trial (DEVOTE), a total of 1429 (37.4%) of the 3818 TRESIBA-treated patients with type 2 diabetes had an eGFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , and 108 (2.8%) subjects had an eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 . Differences in safety or effectiveness were not observed in the subgroup analyses. No clinically relevant difference in the pharmacokinetics of TRESIBA was identified in a study comparing healthy subjects and subjects with kidney impairment including subjects with end stage kidney disease [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . However, as with all insulin products, glucose monitoring should be intensified and the TRESIBA dosage adjusted on an individual basis in patients with kidney impairment.

8.7 Hepatic Impairment No difference in the pharmacokinetics of TRESIBA was identified in a study comparing healthy subjects and subjects with hepatic impairment (mild, moderate, and severe hepatic impairment) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . However, as with all insulin products, glucose monitoring should be intensified and the TRESIBA dosage adjusted on an individual basis in patients with hepatic impairment.

How it works

The primary activity of insulin, including TRESIBA, is regulation of glucose metabolism. Insulin and its analogs lower blood glucose by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake, especially by skeletal muscle and fat, and by inhibiting hepatic glucose production. Insulin also inhibits lipolysis and proteolysis, and enhances protein synthesis. TRESIBA forms multi-hexamers when injected into the subcutaneous tissue resulting in a subcutaneous insulin degludec depot. The protracted time action profile of TRESIBA is predominantly due to delayed absorption of insulin degludec from the subcutaneous tissue to the systemic circulation and to a lesser extent due to binding of insulin degludec to circulating albumin.

Are there biosimilars to Insulin Degludec?

No. The FDA has not approved a biosimilar yet.

Biologics have biosimilars rather than generics: highly similar versions with no clinically meaningful differences. Only biosimilars the FDA designates as interchangeable can be swapped at the pharmacy without asking the prescriber, where state law allows; the FDA Purple Book lists which ones are.

Brand-name versions

Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.

Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.

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Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 456c5e87-3dfd-46fa-8ac0-c6128d4c97c6.


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Important: this content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, a prescribing instruction, or a recommendation to act. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before taking any medication.

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