Product resources library
Explore our library of diabetes treatment education, including clinical trial data, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action and treatment options to support individualized patient care.
RYBELSUS® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg or 14 mg
For adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
For adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control.
Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg
For adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), treated with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control, and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) in adults with T2D and established cardiovascular disease.
For adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), treated with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control, and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) in adults with T2D and established cardiovascular disease.
ZEGALOGUE® (dasiglucagon) injection 0.6 mg/ 0.6 mL
ZEGALOGUE® (dasiglucagon) injection is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes aged 6 years and above.
ZEGALOGUE® (dasiglucagon) injection is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes aged 6 years and above.
Tresiba® (insulin degludec) injection 100 U/mL, 200 U/mL
A basal insulin to improve glycemic control in patients one year of age or older with diabetes.
A basal insulin to improve glycemic control in patients one year of age or older with diabetes.
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Learn about the possibilities of this oral GLP-1 RA
Learn about the possibilities of this oral GLP-1 RA
Consider this once-weekly GLP-1 RA for adult patients with T2D
Consider this once-weekly GLP-1 RA for adult patients with T2D
Accessing Tresiba® for a Low Out-of-Pocket Cost
The Tresiba® co-pay offer explained in plain terms, with details on how all commercially insured patients can access Tresiba® for a low out-of-pocket cost.
Tresiba® Mechanism of Protraction
Tresiba® was designed with a different insulin molecule that provides a steady rate of absorption and a long duration of action.
U Have Another U-100 Option
Reasons to consider prescribing Tresiba® plus information about dose conversion, dosing and the duration of action.
Tresiba® Speaker Series: At the Molecular Level with James Gavin III, MD, PhD
Dr James Gavin III discusses the mechanism of protraction of Tresiba® and how the basal insulin’s molecular makeup contributes to its long duration of action.
Start your patients basal insulin journey with Tresiba®
Start your patients basal insulin journey with Tresiba®
Tresiba® Speaker Series: Duration of Action with James Gavin III, MD, PhD
The pharmacokinetics behind the long duration of action of Tresiba® and what that means for patients with diabetes is presented by Dr James Gavin III.
Basal Insights: An Endocrinologist's Take on Tresiba® FlexTouch®
One in a series of videos by diabetes experts, with Dr Steven Edelman discussing the features of Tresiba® FlexTouch® U-100 and U-200.
Basal Insights: Efficacy and Safety of Tresiba®
Dr Steven Edelman discusses data from the BEGIN: Low Volume clinical trial and what the efficacy and safety results of Tresiba® mean for patients in his practice.
Basal Insights: Duration of Action for Tresiba®
The long duration of action of Tresiba® is presented by Dr Stephen Brunton, along with the guidance he gives his patients for staying on track with their once-daily dosing regimen.
Basal Insights: Features of Tresiba® FlexTouch® U-200
Dr Stephen Brunton takes a look at the features of the Tresiba® FlexTouch® U-200, including the 160-unit maximum dose per injection.
Why I Prescribe Tresiba® for My Patients with Diabetes
Dr Woodham explains how he talks to his patients about their diabetes and why he chooses Tresiba® for his appropriate patients.
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Ozempic® Dosing Brochure
Detailed dosing and other information for each Ozempic® pen, including escalation schema, EHR information, patient starter kit, and savings offers.
Ozempic®: Rethinking the First Injectable for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
In this video, Craig Wierum, MD and Lisa Coco, NP discuss SUSTAIN 4 trial results and prescribing a GLP-1 RA therapy prior to basal insulin for appropriate patients.
Why I Prescribe Ozempic®
NP Lisa Coco talks with endocrinologist Dr Carolina Solis-Herrera about T2D treatment algorithms, the SUSTAIN 7 study, and how their patients feel about injectable therapies.
Approaches to Injectable Therapy
Endocrinologist and prominent diabetes expert Dr James Gavin joins NP Lisa Coco to discuss clinical inertia in T2D treatment and the SUSTAIN 4 and SUSTAIN 5 studies with Ozempic® and basal insulin.
The Role of Ozempic® in Cardiology
NP Lisa Coco and interventional cardiologist Dr Joshua Stolker discuss how and why he prescribes Ozempic®, and his advice for others in cardiology who see patients with T2D and established cardiovascular disease.
How Patient Support Can Help
Clinical pharmacist Dr Jennifer Goldman joins NP Lisa Coco to compare notes on how T2D care has changed over time and what providers can do to help patients get off to a good start with Ozempic®.
SUSTAIN 7: Significant Glycemic Control
In this video, Dr Richard Pratley presents SUSTAIN 7 trial data about A1C levels achieved by patients receiving Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg or 1 mg vs Trulicity®. Read important Safety Information and Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
SUSTAIN 7: A1C Reductions with Ozempic®
Dr Richard Pratley presents results from the SUSTAIN 7 study, comparing A1C reductions for patients with type 2 diabetes receiving Ozempic® vs Trulicity®.
SUSTAIN 7: Significant Weight Reduction
In this video, Dr Richard Pratley presents SUSTAIN 7 trial data about weight for patients on Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg or 1 mg vs Trulicity®. Ozempic® is not indicated for weight loss. Read important Safety Information & Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
Tresiba® Savings Cards
Order a Tresiba® Savings Card holder containing 10 savings cards.
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Ozempic® Dispensing Guide
A quick reference guide for details of Ozempic® pen packs, including NDC, strength, and contents.
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Ozempic® Information Sheet
Information for you and your practice on the pen transition for the pen that delivers 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg doses in March 2023.
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RYBELSUS® Pharmacist Reference Guide
This Pharmacist Reference Guide contains product and prescribing information for RYBELSUS®, including administration, storage, patient FAQs, and patient support tools
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RYBELSUS® Dosing Instructions
PDF guide that includes important dosing, storing and administration instructions for RYBELSUS®.
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RYBELSUS® Clinical EHR Guide
This guide provides information regarding the efficacy of RYBELSUS®.
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RYBELSUS® EHR Best Practices
This guide provides information to accurately ePrescribe RYBELSUS® for appropriate patients.
PIONEER 3: RYBELSUS® vs Januvia® Roundtable Video
This video highlights why two clinicians see the PIONEER 3 data as an important consideration when making clinical decisions.
PIONEER 2: RYBELSUS® vs Jardiance® Roundtable Video
Watch this in-depth discussion of this head-to-head study comparing RYBELSUS® with another leading oral antidiabetic.
Getting Patients Started with RYBELSUS® Roundtable Video
Are your patients RYBELSUS® Ready? This video provides a quick overview of the patient support resources available to help patients get off to a successful start.
Giving my patients the possibilities of RYBELSUS®, with Dr Gangi
A documentary-style video highlighting why Dr Gangi, a board-certified endocrinologist, chooses RYBELSUS® as her go-to pill for appropriate patients with type 2 diabetes.
Giving my patients the possibilities of RYBELSUS®, with Dr Soboeiro
A documentary-style video highlighting why Dr Soboeiro, a primary care physician, chooses RYBELSUS® as his go-to pill for appropriate patients with type 2 diabetes.
Giving my patients the possibilities of RYBELSUS®, with Dr Strong
A documentary-style video highlighting why Dr Strong, a family nurse practitioner, chooses RYBELSUS® as her go-to pill for appropriate patients with type 2 diabetes.
RYBELSUS® Method of Absorption
Watch to learn more about the RYBELSUS® method of absorption
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RYBELSUS® in 65+ Patient Population
Learn about RYBELSUS® cost and coverage in the Medicare Part D channel. See how RYBELSUS® might be right your patients age 65+ to help them lower A1C, with demonstrated CV safety and weight loss in clinical trials.
How to Empower Patients With T2D Knowledge and Introduce a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
What do you need to know about a once-daily GLP-1 RA and what can you do to help your patients taking this T2D therapy? Join this multidisciplinary discussion with Jim Gavin, MD; Curtis Triplitt, PharmD; and Jeffrey Unger, MD, as they review the mechanism of action, dosing, efficacy, and safety of a once-daily GLP-1 RA for adult patients with T2D.
This program is intended for clinicians. The information presented is aligned with the views and opinions of the speakers and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk. This podcast is not to be used as medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.
This program is intended for clinicians. The information presented is aligned with the views and opinions of the speakers and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk. This podcast is not to be used as medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.
Could A GLP-1 Receptor Agonist be Right for Your Adult Patients With T2D?
Join leaders in the field of diabetes Dr. Jim Gavin, Dr. Pablo Mora, and Dr. Bob Busch as they navigate through a clinical study. What do you need to know about using a GLP-1 RA for glycemic control with patients who have T2D? Are there any considerations for specific populations such as those who have moderate renal impairment? This program is intended for clinicians. The information presented is aligned with the views and opinions of the speakers and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk.
This podcast is not to be used as medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.
This podcast is not to be used as medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.
What Type 2 Diabetes Therapy Have You Considered for Your Patients After Metformin?
How common is treatment inertia in the treatment of adult patients with T2D and what can be done about it? Join a multidisciplinary panel including Jim Gavin, MD, PhD; Steve Vacalis, DO; and Jodi Strong, DNP, CDE, BC-ADM, CPT as they discuss and share their insights on the issues surrounding therapeutic inertia. They will also evaluate when to use a GLP-1 RA, and a clinical trial comparing the efficacy and safety of a GLP-1 RA versus a DPP-4i.
This program is intended for clinicians. The information presented is aligned with the views and opinions of the speakers and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk. This podcast is not to be used as medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.
This program is intended for clinicians. The information presented is aligned with the views and opinions of the speakers and is sponsored by Novo Nordisk. This podcast is not to be used as medical advice and is intended for educational purposes only.
Zegalogue® Autoinjector Training Device Kit
For training purposes only. Does not contain medication or needle. Keep out of reach of children. Training Device can be reset and reused to practice multiple times.
T1D patients facing challenges with post-bolus dosing?
Important Safety Information for Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
- In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether Ozempic® causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined.
- Ozempic® is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of Ozempic® and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (eg, a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with Ozempic®.
Indications and Limitations of Use
Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (CV death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established CV disease.
- Ozempic® has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Consider other antidiabetic therapies in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
- Ozempic® is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Important Safety Information cont.
Contraindications
- Ozempic® is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2, and in patients with a hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in Ozempic®. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with Ozempic®.
Warnings and Precautions
- Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Patients should be referred to an endocrinologist for further evaluation if serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated or thyroid nodules are noted on physical examination or neck imaging.
- Pancreatitis: Acute and chronic pancreatitis have been reported in clinical studies. Observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back with or without vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue Ozempic® promptly, and if pancreatitis is confirmed, do not restart.
- Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: In a 2-year trial involving patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, more events of diabetic retinopathy complications occurred in patients treated with Ozempic® (3.0%) compared with placebo (1.8%). The absolute risk increase for diabetic retinopathy complications was larger among patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy at baseline than among patients without a known history of diabetic retinopathy.
Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. The effect of long-term glycemic control with semaglutide on diabetic retinopathy complications has not been studied. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for progression of diabetic retinopathy. - Never Share an Ozempic® Pen Between Patients: Ozempic® pens must never be shared between patients, even if the needle is changed. Pen-sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
- Hypoglycemia: Patients receiving Ozempic® in combination with an insulin secretagogue (eg, sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Acute Kidney Injury: There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury and worsening of chronic renal failure, which may sometimes require hemodialysis, in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. Some of these events have been reported in patients without known underlying renal disease. A majority of the reported events occurred in patients who had experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. Monitor renal function when initiating or escalating doses of Ozempic® in patients reporting severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions.
- Hypersensitivity: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (eg, anaphylaxis, angioedema) have been reported in patients treated with Ozempic®. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue use of Ozempic®; treat promptly per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema or anaphylaxis with another GLP-1 receptor agonist.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: Acute events of gallbladder disease such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis have been reported in GLP-1 receptor agonist trials and postmarketing. In placebo-controlled trials, cholelithiasis was reported in 1.5% and 0.4% of patients treated with Ozempic® 0.5 mg and 1 mg, respectively, and not reported in placebo-treated patients. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and appropriate clinical follow-up are indicated.
Adverse Reactions
- The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with Ozempic® are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
Drug Interactions
- When initiating Ozempic®, consider reducing the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue (such as sulfonylureas) or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Ozempic® causes a delay of gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications, so caution should be exercised.
Use in Specific Populations
- There are limited data with semaglutide use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Discontinue Ozempic® in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide.
Please click here for Ozempic® Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
Important Safety Information for RYBELSUS® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg or 14 mg
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS
- In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether RYBELSUS® causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of semaglutide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined
- RYBELSUS® is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of RYBELSUS® and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g. a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with RYBELSUS®
Indication and Usage
RYBELSUS® (semaglutide) tablets 7 mg or 14 mg is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Limitations of Use
- RYBELSUS® has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. Consider other antidiabetic therapies in patients with a history of pancreatitis
- RYBELSUS® is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
- RYBELSUS® is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), and in patients with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide or to any of the excipients in RYBELSUS®. Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis and angioedema have been reported with RYBELSUS®
Warnings and Precautions
- Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Patients should be further evaluated if serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated or thyroid nodules are noted on physical examination or neck imaging
- Pancreatitis: Has been reported in clinical trials. Observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (including persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue RYBELSUS® and initiate appropriate management; if confirmed, do not restart RYBELSUS®
- Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: In a pooled analysis of glycemic control trials with RYBELSUS®, patients reported diabetic retinopathy related adverse reactions during the trial (4.2% with RYBELSUS® and 3.8% with comparator). In a 2-year trial with semaglutide injection involving patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, more events of diabetic retinopathy complications occurred in patients treated with semaglutide injection (3.0%) compared to placebo (1.8%). The absolute risk increase for diabetic retinopathy complications was larger among patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy at baseline than among patients without a known history of diabetic retinopathy.
Rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored for progression of diabetic retinopathy - Hypoglycemia: Patients receiving RYBELSUS® in combination with an insulin secretagogue (e.g., sulfonylurea) or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Inform patients using these concomitant medications of the risk of hypoglycemia and educate them on the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia
- Acute Kidney Injury: There have been postmarketing reports of acute kidney injury and worsening of chronic renal failure, which may sometimes require hemodialysis, in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide. Some of these events have been reported in patients without known underlying renal disease. A majority of the reported events occurred in patients who had experienced nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration. Monitor renal function when initiating or escalating doses of RYBELSUS® in patients reporting severe adverse gastrointestinal reactions
- Hypersensitivity: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema) have been reported in patients treated with RYBELSUS®. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue use of RYBELSUS®, treat promptly per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema or anaphylaxis with another GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: Acute events of gallbladder disease such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis have been reported in GLP-1 receptor agonist trials and postmarketing. In placebo-controlled trials, cholelithiasis was reported in 1% of patients treated with RYBELSUS® 7 mg. Cholelithiasis was not reported in RYBELSUS® 14 mg or placebo-treated patients. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and appropriate clinical follow-up are indicated
Adverse Reactions
- Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) are nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting and constipation
Drug Interactions
- RYBELSUS® stimulates insulin release in the presence of elevated blood glucose concentrations. When initiating RYBELSUS®, consider reducing the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogue (such as sulfonylureas) or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia
- RYBELSUS® delays gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of other oral medications. Closely follow RYBELSUS® administration instructions when coadministering with other oral medications and consider increased monitoring for medications with a narrow therapeutic index, such as levothyroxine
Use in Specific Populations
- Pregnancy: Available data with RYBELSUS® are not sufficient to determine a drug-associated risk for major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to RYBELSUS®. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus
- Lactation: There are no data on the presence of semaglutide in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Because of the unknown potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed infant due to the possible accumulation of salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), an absorption enhancer in RYBELSUS®, from breastfeeding and because there are alternative formulations of semaglutide that can be used during lactation, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RYBELSUS®
- Discontinue RYBELSUS® in women at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long washout period for semaglutide
- Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of RYBELSUS® have not been established in pediatric patients
Please click here for Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning.
Indications and Usage for Tresiba® (insulin degludec) injection 100 U/mL, 200 U/mL
Tresiba® (insulin degludec) injection is indicated to improve glycemic control in patients 1 year of age and older with diabetes mellitus.
Limitations of Use
Tresiba® is not recommended for treating diabetic ketoacidosis.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
- Tresiba® is contraindicated during episodes of hypoglycemia and in patients with hypersensitivity to insulin degludec or any of the excipients in Tresiba®
Warnings and Precautions
- Never Share a Tresiba® FlexTouch® Pen, Needle, or Syringe Between Patients, even if the needle is changed. Patients using Tresiba® vials should never share needles or syringes with another person. Sharing poses a risk for transmission of blood-borne pathogens.
- Hyperglycemia or Hypoglycemia with Changes in Insulin Regimen: Changes in an insulin regimen (e.g., insulin strength, manufacturer, type, or injection site or method of administration) may affect glycemic control and predispose to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Repeated insulin injections into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis have been reported to result in hyperglycemia; and a sudden change in the injection site (to an unaffected area) has been reported to result in hypoglycemia. Make any changes to a patient’s insulin regimen under close medical supervision with increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring. Advise patients who have repeatedly injected into areas of lipodystrophy or localized cutaneous amyloidosis to change the injection site to unaffected areas and closely monitor for hypoglycemia. Adjustments in concomitant anti-diabetic treatment may be needed.
- Hypoglycemia: Hypoglycemia is the most common adverse reaction of insulin, including Tresiba®. Severe hypoglycemia can cause seizures, may be life-threatening or cause death. Hypoglycemia can impair concentration ability and reaction time; this may place the patient and others at risk in situations where these abilities are important (e.g., driving or operating other machinery). Hypoglycemia can happen suddenly and symptoms may differ in each patient and change over time in the same patient. Symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia may be less pronounced in patients with longstanding diabetes, in patients with diabetic neuropathy, using drugs that block the sympathetic nervous system (e.g., beta-blockers) or who experience recurrent hypoglycemia. The long-acting effect of Tresiba® may delay recovery from hypoglycemia compared to shorter-acting insulins.
Risk Factors for Hypoglycemia: The risk of hypoglycemia generally increases with intensity of glycemic control. The risk of hypoglycemia after an injection is related to the duration of action of the insulin and, in general, is highest when the glucose lowering effect of the insulin is maximal. As with all insulins, the glucose lowering effect time course of Tresiba® may vary among different patients or at different times in the same patients and depends on many conditions, including the area of injection as well as the injection site blood supply and temperature. Other factors which may increase the risk of hypoglycemia include changes in meal pattern, changes in level of physical activity, or changes to concomitant drugs. Patients with renal or hepatic impairment may be at higher risk of hypoglycemia. Patients and caregivers must be educated to recognize and manage hypoglycemia. In patients at higher risk for hypoglycemia and patients who have reduced symptomatic awareness of hypoglycemia, increased frequency of blood glucose monitoring is recommended. - Hypoglycemia Due to Medication Errors: Accidental mix-ups between insulin products have been reported. To avoid medication errors between Tresiba® and other insulins, always instruct patients to always check the insulin label before each injection. To avoid dosing errors and potential overdose, never use a syringe to remove Tresiba® from the Tresiba® FlexTouch® disposable insulin prefilled pen.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Severe, life-threatening, generalized allergy, including anaphylaxis, can occur with insulins, including Tresiba®. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue Tresiba®; treat per standard of care and monitor until symptoms and signs resolve.
- Hypokalemia: All insulins, including Tresiba®, cause a shift in potassium from the extracellular to intracellular space, possibly leading to hypokalemia. Untreated hypokalemia may cause respiratory paralysis, ventricular arrhythmia, and death. Monitor potassium levels in patients at risk for hypokalemia and treat if indicated.
- Fluid Retention and Heart Failure with Concomitant Use of PPAR-gamma Agonists: Fluid retention and heart failure can occur with concomitant use of thiazolidinediones (TZDs), which are PPAR-gamma agonists, and insulin, including Tresiba®. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of heart failure. If heart failure occurs, dosage reduction or discontinuation of the TZD must be considered.
Adverse Reactions
- Adverse reactions commonly associated with Tresiba® are hypoglycemia, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, lipodystrophy, pruritus, rash, edema, and weight gain.
Drug Interactions
- There are certain drugs that may cause clinically significant drug interactions with Tresiba®.
- Drugs that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia: antidiabetic agents, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, disopyramide, fibrates, fluoxetine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pentoxifylline, pramlintide, salicylates, somatostatin analog (e.g., octreotide), sulfonamide antibiotics, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, and SGLT-2 inhibitors
- Drugs that may decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: atypical antipsychotics (e.g., olanzapine and clozapine), corticosteroids, danazol, diuretics, estrogens, glucagon, isoniazid, niacin, oral contraceptives, phenothiazines, progestogens (e.g., in oral contraceptives), protease inhibitors, somatropin, sympathomimetic agents (e.g., albuterol, epinephrine, terbutaline), and thyroid hormones
- Drugs that may increase or decrease the blood glucose lowering effect: alcohol, beta-blockers, clonidine, lithium salts, and pentamidine
- Drugs that may blunt the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia: beta-blockers, clonidine, guanethidine, and reserpine
Please click here for Tresiba® Prescribing Information.
Indication and Usage for ZEGALOGUE® (dasiglucagon) injection 0.6 mg/0.6 mL
ZEGALOGUE® (dasiglucagon) injection is indicated for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia in pediatric and adult patients with diabetes aged 6 years and above.
Important Safety Information
Contraindications
ZEGALOGUE® is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because of the risk of substantial increase in blood pressure and in patients with insulinoma because of the risk of hypoglycemia.
Warnings and Precautions
- ZEGALOGUE® is contraindicated in patients with pheochromocytoma because glucagon products may stimulate the release of catecholamines from the tumor. If the patient develops a substantial increase in blood pressure and a previously undiagnosed pheochromocytoma is suspected, 5 to 10 mg of phentolamine mesylate, administered intravenously, has been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure.
- In patients with insulinoma, administration of glucagon products may produce an initial increase in blood glucose; however, ZEGALOGUE® administration may directly or indirectly (through an initial rise in blood glucose) stimulate exaggerated insulin release from an insulinoma and cause hypoglycemia. ZEGALOGUE® is contraindicated in patients with insulinoma. If a patient develops symptoms of hypoglycemia after a dose of ZEGALOGUE®, give glucose orally or intravenously.
- Allergic reactions have been reported with glucagon products; these include generalized rash, and in some cases anaphylactic shock with breathing difficulties and hypotension. Advise patients to seek immediate medical attention if they experience any symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions.
- ZEGALOGUE® is effective in treating hypoglycemia only if sufficient hepatic glycogen is present. Patients in states of starvation, with adrenal insufficiency or chronic hypoglycemia may not have adequate levels of hepatic glycogen for ZEGALOGUE® administration to be effective. Patients with these conditions should be treated with glucose.
Adverse Reactions
- The most common adverse reactions (≥2%) associated with ZEGALOGUE® in adults were nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea and injection site pain; in pediatrics: nausea, vomiting, headache and injection site pain.
Drug Interactions
- Patients taking beta-blockers may have a transient increase in pulse and blood pressure when given ZEGALOGUE®. In patients taking indomethacin, ZEGALOGUE® may lose its ability to raise blood glucose or may produce hypoglycemia. ZEGALOGUE® may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin.
Please see ZEGALOGUE® Full Prescribing Information.