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Insulin Degludec

Pronounced

"IN-su-lin de-GLOO-dek"

Common brand names:

Tresiba FlexTouch

Uses

Insulin degludec is used with a proper diet and exercise program to control high blood sugar in people with diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Insulin degludec is a man-made product that is similar to human insulin. It replaces the insulin that your body would normally make. It acts longer than regular insulin, providing a low, steady level of insulin. It works by helping blood sugar (glucose) get into cells so your body can use it for energy. Insulin degludec may be used with a shorter-acting insulin product. It may also be used alone or with other diabetes drugs.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The injection is given in the stomach area, the thigh, or the upper arm. Do not inject into a vein or muscle because very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may occur.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Measure each dose very carefully because even small changes in the amount of insulin may have a large effect on your blood sugar.

Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the insulin. If you are using the insulin vial, do not shake or roll it. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin (for example, pits/lumps or thickened skin). Do not inject into skin that is red, swollen, itchy, or damaged. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Do not inject cold insulin because this can be painful. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

This product should not be mixed with any other insulin. Do not use insulin degludec in an infusion pump.

Do not change brands or types of insulin without directions on how to do so from your doctor.

Do not share your pen device with another person, even if the needle is changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

RxAnswers™ is a copyrighted combined product from TraceGains and First DataBank, Inc.

Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2025.