Toujeo Inj

TOUJEO INJ (Insulin Glargine U-300)

TOUJEO INJ, manufactured by SANOFI INDIA LTD, is a long-acting insulin analog prescribed for managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes mellitus.

• Name

  • Common Brand Names: Toujeo SoloStar, Toujeo Max SoloStar
  • Generic Name: Insulin glargine (U-300)

• Composition

  • Active Ingredient: Insulin glargine 300 units/mL (U-300). This formulation contains three times the concentration of insulin glargine compared to standard U-100 insulin products.

• Uses TOUJEO is indicated to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It provides a steady, prolonged insulin release, typically lasting up to 36 hours. It is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Dosage and Administration TOUJEO is administered once daily via subcutaneous injection, preferably at the same time each day. Injection sites should be rotated within the abdomen, thigh, or deltoid area to minimize the risk of lipodystrophy.

  • Available Forms: TOUJEO SoloStar (delivers up to 80 units in 1-unit increments) and TOUJEO Max SoloStar (delivers up to 160 units in 2-unit increments) prefilled pens.
  • Initial Dosing (Insulin-Naïve):
    • Type 1 Diabetes: Approximately one-third to one-half of the total daily insulin dose (0.2-0.4 units/kg), complemented by short-acting insulin.
    • Type 2 Diabetes: 0.2 units/kg once daily.
  • Individual dose adjustments are crucial based on metabolic needs and blood glucose monitoring.
  • Important: Do not dilute or mix TOUJEO with other insulins or solutions. Never share pens or reuse needles to prevent infection.

• Side Effects

  • Common: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, itching, swelling, skin thickening, or lumps), weight gain, and upper respiratory infections.
  • Serious: Severe hypoglycemia (can be life-threatening), hypokalemia (low blood potassium, potentially leading to heart problems), and severe allergic reactions (e.g., whole-body rash, breathing difficulties, rapid heartbeat, sweating, swelling of the face/tongue/throat). Concomitant use with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) may worsen heart failure.

• Precautions

  • Hypoglycemia: Patients and caregivers should be educated on symptoms and management. Regular blood glucose monitoring is essential.
  • Drug Interactions: Several medications, including other antidiabetic agents, certain blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and corticosteroids, can affect glucose metabolism and may require insulin dose adjustments.
  • Medical Conditions: Caution is advised in patients with kidney or liver problems, as insulin requirements may change, and the risk of hypoglycemia may increase. Close monitoring is recommended.
  • Alcohol: Limit or avoid alcohol consumption as it can unpredictably impact blood sugar levels.
  • Allergies: Contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to insulin glargine or any excipients.
  • Medication Errors: Always verify the insulin label before injection. Do not extract insulin from the pen with a syringe.

• Storage

  • Unopened Pens: Store in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F and 46°F). Do not freeze. Keep in the original carton to protect from light.
  • Opened Pens (in use): Store at room temperature (below 30°C / 86°F) for up to 56 days. Do not refrigerate once opened. Protect from direct heat and light.
  • Keep pens and needles out of the reach of children.

Here are some frequently asked questions about TOUJEO INJ:

What is Toujeo used for?

Toujeo is a long-acting insulin (insulin glargine) used to improve blood sugar control in adults and children aged 6 years and older who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is not intended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.

How does Toujeo work?

Toujeo contains insulin glargine, which is a modified form of human insulin. It works by slowly releasing small amounts of insulin into the body, providing a continuous, steady supply of insulin for more than 24 hours. This helps the body absorb sugar from the bloodstream and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver, thereby lowering blood sugar levels.

What is the usual dosage of Toujeo?

The dosage of Toujeo is individualized by your doctor based on your specific needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and glycemic control goals. For insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes, a common starting dose is 0.2 units per kilogram of body weight once daily. For type 1 diabetes, the initial dose is typically one-third to one-half of the total daily insulin dose, often 0.2 to 0.4 units per kilogram of body weight, and must be combined with short-acting insulin for meals. Toujeo is administered once daily at the same time each day, by subcutaneous injection into the abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid.

What are the possible side effects of Toujeo?

Common mild side effects of Toujeo can include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), injection site reactions (such as itching, rash, redness, swelling, or changes in skin thickness), weight gain, swelling (edema) in the arms or legs, and upper respiratory infections. Serious, though less common, side effects may include severe hypoglycemia, serious allergic reactions, and low potassium levels (hypokalemia).

Is Toujeo safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

While there is no specific clinical experience with Toujeo in pregnant women, extensive data on insulin glargine generally show no specific adverse effects on pregnancy. If clinically needed, the use of Toujeo may be considered during pregnancy with careful monitoring of glucose levels. It is not known if Toujeo passes into breast milk. However, long-acting insulins are typically considered safe during breastfeeding. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Can Toujeo be taken with other medications?

Toujeo can interact with other medications, including other diabetes medications, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), and certain supplements like chromium and niacin. These interactions can potentially increase the risk of low blood sugar or alter Toujeo's effectiveness. Combining Toujeo with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) can also lead to or worsen heart failure. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking to prevent potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken when using Toujeo?

Several precautions are important:

• Never share your Toujeo pen with other people, even if the needle is changed, as this poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
• Always use a new needle for each injection and rotate injection sites within the same region (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) to minimize the risk of skin reactions like lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis.
• Verify the insulin label before each injection to ensure you are using the correct insulin and strength to avoid medication errors.
• Do not dilute or mix Toujeo with any other insulin or solution.
• Monitor your blood sugar levels frequently, especially when making changes to your insulin regimen, diet, or exercise.
• It's best to avoid alcohol while using Toujeo, as it can affect blood sugar levels and may mask symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• Inform your healthcare provider if you have liver, kidney problems, or heart failure.

What happens if a dose of Toujeo is missed?

If you miss a dose of Toujeo, you may take it as soon as you remember, provided it is within three hours of your normal scheduled time. If more than three hours have passed, it's generally recommended to check your blood sugar levels frequently and then resume your next scheduled dose at its usual time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional for specific advice regarding missed doses.

How should Toujeo be stored?

Unopened Toujeo pens should be stored in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C or 36°F and 46°F) until the expiration date. Do not freeze Toujeo. Once an opened Toujeo pen is in use, it can be stored at room temperature (below 30°C or 86°F) for up to 56 days. Opened pens should not be refrigerated. Always keep the pen cap on to protect the medicine from light and away from direct heat or light.