What is Tresiba: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated Jan. 13, 2021  •  Published Dec. 30, 2020

Tresiba overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Tresiba

Generic Names:

  • Tresiba

Uses:

  • Treats diabetes.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antidiabetic

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What form(s) does Tresiba come in

  • Injectable

What are common Tresiba doses?

  • Vial 10ML of 100UNIT/ML

Common Tresiba prescriptions

  • Tresiba
    10ml of 100unit/ml vial

How to take Tresiba

  • Injection routeYour 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.

  • Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

  • Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

  • If you use insulin once a day, it is best to use it at about the same time every day.

  • Check the liquid inside the pen or vial. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medicine if it looks thick, cloudy, or discolored, or if it has particles in it. Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin or with water.

  • Injection routeYou 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. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

  • Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to.

  • 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, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. 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 pen or vial in the refrigerator until its expiration date or at room temperature for up to 56 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not use the medicine if it has been frozen.

  • Opened medicine: You may store the pen or vial in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Throw the pen or vial away after 56 days, even if there is still insulin in it.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

  • Opened medicine: You may store the pen or vial in the refrigerator or at room temperature, away from direct heat and light. Throw the pen or vial away after 56 days, even if there is still insulin in it.

  • Your healthcare provider will work with you to personalize your dose and treatment based on your insulin needs and lifestyle. You will be taught how to give yourself the injections. Make sure you understand all instructions. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

  • Check the liquid inside the pen or vial. It should be clear and colorless. Do not use the medicine if it looks thick, cloudy, or discolored, or if it has particles in it. Do not mix this medicine with any other insulin or with water.

  • Always check the label before use, to make sure you have the correct type of insulin. Do not change the brand, type, or concentration unless your doctor tells you to.

  • Unopened medicine: You may store the pen or vial in the refrigerator until its expiration date or at room temperature for up to 56 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not use the medicine if it has been frozen.

  • If you use insulin once a day, it is best to use it at about the same time every day.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

  • Injection routeYour 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.

  • Injection routeYou 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. Do not use the exact same spot for each injection.

  • Always double-check both the concentration (strength) of your insulin and your dose. Concentration and dose are not the same. The dose is how many units of insulin you will use. The concentration tells how many units of insulin are in each milliliter (mL), such as 100 units/mL (U-100), but this does not mean you will use 100 units at a time.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Make sure that there are at least 8 hours between doses. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Tresiba contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to insulin degludec.

Tresiba warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, or heart failure.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Low blood sugar or low potassium levels in the bloodFluid retention or heart failure (when used together with a thiazolidinedione [TZD] medicine)

  • This medicine can cause low blood sugar. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other illnesses from one person to another.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Tresiba interactions

  • Some medicines can change the amount of insulin you need to use and make it harder for you to control your diabetes. Tell your doctor about all other medicines that you are using.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Never share insulin pens or needles with anyone. Sharing these can pass hepatitis viruses, HIV, or other illnesses from one person to another.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Tresiba side effects

Serious 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, vomiting, uneven heartbeat

  • Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast or pounding heartbeat, lightheadedness, hunger, confusion

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, chest pain, trouble breathing, tiredness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Redness, pain, itching, swelling, or skin changes where the shot was given

  • Headache

  • Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat