Insulin Degludec (By injection)
IN-su-lin de-GLOO-dek
Treats diabetes.
Drug classes
Antidiabetic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Insulin degludec is a long-acting type of insulin that works slowly, over about 24 hours. Insulin is one of many hormones that help the body turn the food we eat into energy. This is done by using the glucose (sugar) in the blood as quick energy. Also, insulin helps us store energy that we can use later. When you have diabetes mellitus, your body cannot make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. This causes you to have too much sugar in your blood. Like other types of insulin, insulin degludec is used to keep your blood sugar level close to normal.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. If you use insulin once a day, it is best to use it at about the same time every day.
The medicine should look clear. Do not use it if it is cloudy or discolored. Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin or with water.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
When you get a new supply of insulin, check the label to be sure it is the correct type.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Make sure that there are at least 8 hours between doses. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Unopened medicine: You may store the prefilled pen in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 56 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze.
Opened medicine that is currently being used: Store at room temperature in a cool place, away from direct heat and light. Do not refrigerate. Throw away the pen after 56 days.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can change the amount of insulin degludec you need and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using, especially the following:
Albuterol, clonidine, clozapine, danazol, isoniazid, lithium, niacin, olanzapine, pentamidine, somatropin, terbutaline Birth control pills, estrogen Beta-blocker medicine to lower blood pressure Diuretic (water pill) Fibrate medicine to lower cholesterol Phenothiazine medicine (including chlorpromazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine) Protease inhibitor (treats HIV/AIDS) Steroid medicine (including dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone) Thyroid medicineDo not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin degludec or other components of the product.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or heart failure.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Low blood sugar Low potassium levels Fluid retention or heart failure (when used together with a thiazolidinedione medicine)Never share insulin pens with anyone. Shared needles or pens can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other illnesses from one person to another.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting
Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion
Trouble breathing, chest pain, unusual tiredness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Redness, pain, itching, swelling, thickening, or a lump under your skin where the shot was given
Stuffy or runny nose, cough, sore throat
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Tresiba
There may be other brand names for this medicine.