Tresiba is a diabetes drug that promises to improve blood sugar (glucose) control in adults with diabetes mellitus. Find out more about Tresiba in our review.
What is Tresiba?
Tresiba is a diabetes drug initially approved by the FDA in September 2015.
The FDA approved Tresiba after it was found in a major study to improve glycemic control in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Tresiba is administered beneath your skin via a needle, once daily at any time of the day. The big advantage of Tresiba is that you don’t need to inject it at the same time every day. All you really need to worry about is to make sure you leave at least 8 hours between Tresiba injections. You can miss a dose and take it at different times of the day without worrying about impacting your health.
The reason Tresiba works like this is because it uses a slow-release formula. Instead of flooding your body with insulin all at once, Tresiba works slowly over an 8 hour period – similar to how your body’s natural insulin control works.
Benefits of Tresiba
Tresiba promises to offer the following benefits:
— Slow and Steady Release: Instead of giving your body a dose all-at-once, Tresiba promises to offer a slow and steady release, working in a similar way to your body’s natural insulin.
— Take On Your Time: You don’t need to take Tresiba at the same time every day. If your schedule changes day to day, then you can take Tresiba at different times. You can even miss or delay a dose without putting your health at risk (just take Tresiba as soon as you remember, and leave at least 8 hours between doses).
— $15 Per Prescription: Tresiba’s Instant Savings Card means eligible patients pay no more than $15 per prescription for up to 24 months.
How Does Tresiba Work?
Tresiba works in the form of an insulin degludec injection.
In one study, researchers examined the effects of Tresiba over a 26 week period. That study involved a randomized selection of insulin-naïve adults with type 2 diabetes. Researchers compared the effectiveness and safety of Tresiba with conventional diabetes medication. Tresiba had a superior A1C reduction from baseline at the end of the study (1.18%).
One of the biggest advantages of Tresiba is its ability to last a long time. One of the biggest marketing claims of Tresiba is that it’s “the only basal insulin proven to last at least 42 hours.”
So if you miss a dose during the day – like if you forget or you’re stuck away from your medication – then your health isn’t going to be at risk.
Is Tresiba for Everyone?
Tresiba is not designed for those who have increased ketones in their blood or urine (i.e. those with diabetic ketoacidosis). Patients or caregivers are also cautioned to monitor blood glucose in all patients treated with insulin. Insulin regimens should be modified cautiously and only under medical supervision.
The makers of Tresiba also caution that the drug can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be a life-threatening condition. Heath professionals are encouraged to monitor changes to dosage, diet, and physical activity closely.
Who Makes Tresiba?
Tresiba is made by a Denmark-based pharmaceutical company named Novo Nordisk. That company’s American headquarters is in Plainsboro, New Jersey.
Novo Nordisk recently sold its 762,000 square foot North American headquarters to a Korean investment firm, making it the biggest single-asset sale of 2016 thus far.
Novo Nordisk primarily focuses on diabetes medications, pen needles, chronic weight management drugs, and biopharmaceuticals.
Should You Take Tresiba to Manage your Diabetes?
Tresiba is one of many treatments and drugs available to treat your type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Obviously, it’s only available via prescription. Talk to your doctor to see if Tresiba is the right choice for your disease.
