Question 1

What is Toujeo?

Accepted Answer

Toujeo is a concentrated, long-acting basal insulin that contains insulin glargine. It works by providing a steady level of insulin to help manage blood sugar levels over an extended period.

This medication helps regulate glucose metabolism by assisting the body in processing sugar and limiting the amount of sugar produced by the liver. It is designed to provide consistent glycemic control throughout the day and night.

Question 2

What is Toujeo used for?

Accepted Answer

Toujeo is used to treat diabetes mellitus .

Question 3

How does Toujeo work?

Accepted Answer

How Toujeo Manages Blood Sugar

Toujeo contains insulin glargine, a man-made version of the hormone insulin that the body naturally produces. Insulin is essential for regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. It works in two primary ways:

Glucose Uptake: It signals cells in the body, such as muscle and fat cells, to take in glucose from the blood to use for energy.

Liver Regulation: It tells the liver to stop producing and releasing more glucose into the bloodstream.

Slow and Steady Release

Toujeo is a highly concentrated form of insulin (300 units/mL). When it is injected into the fatty tissue under the skin, it forms a small deposit called a microprecipitate. Because of its high concentration, this deposit has a smaller surface area than standard-strength insulins, which causes the insulin to dissolve and enter the bloodstream very slowly.

This slow absorption provides several benefits for blood sugar management:

Basal Coverage: It provides a low, steady level of insulin throughout the day and night, mimicking the way a healthy pancreas releases small amounts of insulin continuously.

No Pronounced Peak: Unlike short-acting insulins, Toujeo does not have a sharp peak in activity. Instead, it maintains a relatively flat and stable level of action for at least 24 hours, and sometimes up to 36 hours.

Reduced Fluctuations: The gradual release helps prevent significant swings in blood sugar levels between meals and during sleep.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Toujeo?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Toujeo is insulin glargine .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Toujeo?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Toujeo may include:

Hypoglycemia

Weight gain

Injection site reactions

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Toujeo?

Accepted Answer

Toujeo belongs to the long-acting insulin drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Toujeo and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Use Toujeo

Toujeo is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) once every day. It should be used at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood sugar control. Your healthcare provider will determine the best time of day for your injection.

Common injection sites include the abdomen, thighs, or the back of the upper arms. It is important to rotate the injection site with each dose to reduce the risk of skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy) and localized cutaneous amyloidosis.

Administration Guidelines

Check the insulin: The solution should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medication if it looks cloudy, colored, or contains visible particles.

Use the pen correctly: Toujeo is available in prefilled pens. Always use a new needle for each injection. Never share your pen or needles with another person, even if the needle has been changed.

Do not transfer: Do not use a syringe to remove insulin from the Toujeo pen. Doing so can result in a severe overdose because the markings on a standard insulin syringe will not match the concentration of this medication.

Do not mix: This insulin should not be mixed with any other insulin products or diluted with other liquids. It is also not intended for use in an insulin pump or for intravenous injection.

Missed Doses

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure what to do after missing a dose, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and monitor your blood sugar levels closely.

Question 8

Is Toujeo safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

Managing blood sugar levels is critical during pregnancy to reduce the risk of complications for both the parent and the developing baby. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth defects, pregnancy loss, and high blood pressure ( preeclampsia ).

Available data from studies do not show a clear link between insulin glargine and an increased risk of major birth defects or other negative outcomes. However, insulin needs typically fluctuate throughout pregnancy:

Requirements often decrease during the first trimester.

Requirements generally increase during the second and third trimesters.

Close monitoring of blood glucose levels is recommended for anyone using Toujeo while pregnant.

Breastfeeding

It is generally considered safe to use Toujeo while breastfeeding. While insulin glargine may pass into breast milk, it is a protein that is expected to be broken down in the infant's digestive system. There are no known reports of harm to breastfed infants.

Individuals who are breastfeeding may need to adjust their insulin dosage and diet, as breastfeeding can affect blood sugar levels.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Toujeo come in?

Accepted Answer

Toujeo is a sterile solution for injection under the skin. It is available in prefilled, disposable pen devices designed for single-patient use.

The medication is supplied in two different pen formats:

SoloStar: A disposable prefilled pen used for subcutaneous administration.

Max SoloStar: A disposable prefilled pen designed to deliver a higher volume of insulin per injection than the standard pen.

Both pen types are used with compatible disposable needles. These devices are not designed to be refilled and must be disposed of according to safety guidelines once they are empty or have reached their expiration date.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Toujeo?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Toujeo (insulin glargine injection, 300 units/mL) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage blood sugar levels in adults and pediatric patients aged 6 years and older with diabetes mellitus. It is a prescription medication intended for once-daily injection under the skin.

Safety Monitoring and Regulatory History

The FDA monitors the safety of Toujeo through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). In 2018, the FDA identified a potential signal regarding medication errors associated with the drug. This led to continued monitoring and evaluation of labeling to ensure that dosing instructions are clear, especially given that Toujeo is more concentrated than standard U-100 insulin products.

Boxed Warnings and REMS

Toujeo does not carry a Boxed Warning, which is the FDA's most serious warning for significant safety risks. Additionally, there is no Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) required for this medication. Regulatory oversight focuses on standard insulin safety, including warnings against sharing injection pens between patients and the risks of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Question 11

What should I know about Toujeo and cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance Coverage

Most commercial insurance and Medicare Part D plans cover Toujeo, though the medication may be placed on a specific tier that determines your out-of-pocket copay. Some insurance providers may require prior authorization before they will cover the cost of the prescription.

Financial Assistance

The manufacturer may offer savings cards or copay assistance for patients with commercial insurance to help reduce monthly costs. For individuals without insurance or those who meet specific income requirements, patient assistance programs may be available to provide the medication at a lower cost or for free.

Generic Availability

There is currently no generic version of Toujeo available. While biosimilar versions of insulin glargine exist for the standard U-100 concentration, Toujeo is a concentrated U-300 formulation and does not have a direct biosimilar equivalent.

Pharmacy Variations

Prices can differ between retail pharmacies. Using mail-order services through your insurance provider or comparing prices at different local pharmacies may help identify the most cost-effective option.

Toujeo

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Additional Resources

Support & Help Resources

Found an Error?