Tresiba is used to treat high blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes mellitus. Doctors use Tresiba to treat adult patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
High blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) is a hallmark symptom of diabetes, and it drives the development of complications.
Taking insulin-like Tresiba lowers down high blood sugar levels and prevents complications.
Tresiba is long-acting insulin that lowers glucose levels for as long as 42 hours. It works longer than Insulin glargine (Lantus) and Insulin detemir (Levemir).
Tresiba is a relatively new drug. It is injected under the skin. You need a prescription to purchase the medication.
Before using Tresiba, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.
Do these things first before taking Tresiba:
Tell if you experienced sensitivities to insulins. Mention all your allergies to drugs, over-the-counter medications, and animal products.
Tresiba is not appropriate for you if you have hypoglycemia, or too low blood sugar levels.
Tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially if you have conditions in the heart, liver, or have low potassium levels.
Mention to your doctor all the medications you take, especially drugs like oral antidiabetic drugs.
Note that Tresiba may interact with antidiabetic agents, drugs for the heart, antipsychotics, oral contraceptives, thyroid hormones and drugs for asthma and COPD, and herbal supplements.
The doctor may need to adjust the dose of Insulin Degludec to prevent undesirable effects.
Alcohol and tobacco use can change your blood sugar levels, which can alter the effects of Insulin Degludec. You may have to stop taking alcohol or using tobacco. If you are quitting, tell it to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing a child before taking Insulin Degludec. The medication may cause harm to unborn babies.
It is not known if Tresiba is expressed through breast milk, so do not breastfeed if you are taking the medication. Tresiba is not approved for use in patients younger than 18 years of age.
To use Tresiba properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Tresiba is a once-daily insulin, so you only have to take it once a day. Tresiba (as Tresiba) is available as an injection pen (FlexTouch).
Your doctor will teach you on how to inject the medication by yourself. The doctor will determine your dose of the medication, and you have to follow it very carefully.
Only use the prefilled pen and the needle that comes with the medication. Follow instructions for use very carefully. Always use new needle before administration. Make sure to rotate injection sites to prevent complications to the skin.
Do not use Insulin Degludec (as Tresiba) with a syringe. The medication is not suitable for administration using injection pump.
Make sure to dispose of used pens, cartridges and syringes properly. You can put them inside a large bleach bottle and put on the cap to seal them.
Always test blood sugar levels when taking Insulin Degludec. Watch out for symptoms of hypoglycemia such as hunger, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness and shakiness.
If you experience hypoglycemia symptoms, eat sugary foods like hard candy, crackers, raisins or drink a glass of milk or non-diet soda. If you have severe hypoglycemia and cannot eat or drink, you need to have a glucagon injection.
You also have to watch out for symptoms of hyperglycemia, like having fruity breath odor, dry skin, increased urination, drowsiness, blurred vision and weight loss.
Note that stress, illness, travel, having surgery and other medical procedures can cause changes to your blood sugar levels. However, do not take more or less than the prescribed dose of Insulin Degludec. Instead, call your doctor.
Note that Insulin Degludec is just part of diabetes treatment. You still need to stick to a proper diet, regular exercise, frequent blood sugar tests and doctor visits to control blood sugar levels and prevent complications.
If you missed a dose of Insulin Degludec, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose and continue the regular dosing schedule.
Just remember to space doses at least 8 hours apart. Do not take more of the medication to make up for the next dose.
If you overdosed on Insulin Degludec, you are at risk for serious hypoglycemia that can be life-threatening. Call your doctor or local poison control center and head to the nearest hospital.
Always store Insulin Degludec in the refrigerator, but not in the freezer. Do not freeze, expose to sunlight or high heat.
In using Tresiba, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Tresiba is meant for subcutaneous injection only. Do not inject into the muscle or veins. Do not use administer using an insulin pump.
Always inspect the medication before use. Tresiba must be clear and colorless. Do not use if it has changed colors, has particles or clumps in it.
Do not share injection pens and needles. Doing so puts you at risk for serious blood-borne diseases like hepatitis B and HIV infection. Stick to doctor’s appointments to check your blood sugar levels and to determine early signs of complications.
