Tresiba and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say

• Sha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 28, 2017

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took this medication for 4 weeks. I was on Lantus prior. I got a headache, which I thought would go away, however, it didn't. I became bloated and started getting flu-like symptoms. Only wanted to sleep and felt I couldn't even walk to the mailbox. I thought I was dying. I finally realized it must be the new insulin. I stopped and told my doctor I wanted to return to the Lantus. She agreed. I am slowly beginning to feel better, but it has been two weeks, and I'm still not back to my old self. This is a terrible drug. I also gained 6 pounds on top of everything else. How could this drug ever get approval?"

• loz...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have type 2 diabetes and take 1000 mg of slow-release metformin. My DSN decided to start me on 10 units of Tresiba as my HbA1c had gone up to 7.5, and for the 8 days I was taking Tresiba, I felt like I had no control of my body. I had constant headaches, flu-like symptoms including severe tiredness, itching, breathlessness, anxiety, ear congestion, my blood sugar levels were all over the place. Definitely not the medication for me, I will be speaking to my DSN to see my other options."

• Ari...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 17, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 1 "In the beginning, this Tresiba insulin was a miracle. It came with stable glucose levels, but after a couple of years, I became aware of its side effects. Notice that I had a constant flu-like symptom, the bolus insulin didn't kick in as it did before, it was like Russian roulette. Tried Lantus in November, and there is no doubt that Tresiba has some nasty side effects besides the flu: lethargy, depression, water retention, itchy skin, and a feeling of a lump in the throat. Tried it again this last week, and all these side effects came back within two days. The flu-like symptoms kick in about 3 hours after injection. Regret I tried it, because after some years off the Lantus, it seems the body has developed antibodies, and the Lantus now has some side effects as well. Will get off this medicine tomorrow and try Lantus again, and hopefully the depression and flu-like symptoms will subside again."

• Kra...
• February 8, 2020

For Diabetes, Type 1 "Started this drug Tresiba a couple of weeks ago, and it’s been a horrible experience. I noticed my vision became blurry, I felt like I had the flu. I experienced chills, hot flashes, I felt really light-headed. My sugars were stable throughout the day, so that was great. But then all through the night, starting at about 2 a.m., my sugars would just plummet. Needless to say, I haven’t had much sleep and probably gained a few pounds trying to keep that sugar up. My doctor swears it doesn’t peak, but I’m not so sure about that. I kept lowering my dose, but they would still fall around the same time at night, and my daytime sugars became more elevated. I felt plain awful on this drug, and it needs to go back to the drawing board. Very bad formulary. I switched back to my Levemir and feel much better. I’m disappointed because it was supposed to be a dream insulin, but it was nothing short of a nightmare. My doctor suggested I switch to Tojeo, but I feel apprehensive."

• Cee...
• December 30, 2018

For Diabetes, Type 1 "My endo gave me samples of Tresiba to try, and I used it for a little over a month. Adverse symptoms included dense brain fog, feeling like I had the flu for weeks on end, and one brief/mild episode of hives on day 12 that Benadryl knocked out, and they didn't return. My biggest complaint was the incredibly volatile sugar levels. I use a Dexcom, and it was sending out fast rise/drop alarms 2-3 times an hour - up, up, down, up, down, down. It was exhausting. Endo adjusted the dose several times (3 days between each switch), but nothing helped. One thing I didn't try was splitting the dose over 12 hours, but I have read where others have had some success with that. I just couldn't get level, even after 2 days of going completely carb-free. I went back to Levemir and within 12 hours felt most symptoms alleviate, and in 24 hours was back to 100%. I'm really glad I had the chance to try it, but I may be allergic to it, so I won't be going back."

• Ava...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 30, 2018

For Diabetes, Type 1 "I'm so conflicted with my beloved Tresiba. I started it last year, and my sugars have been amazing, especially the last few months. Went from 9 something to 7.2, and bet I'd still be or even in the 6's as of last month. Why am I conflicted? I've had debilitating stomach cramping, chronic diarrhea, and nausea, and other awful chronic problems (I noticed other people mentioned headaches and colds, and I had those too). Been to Drs, and everything comes back 'normal.' Despite my sugars, I am a wreck now, I realized the ONLY thing I've changed in my lifestyle is the Tresiba. I'm going on a week off it and don't know for certain yet, since my symptoms come and go (1 day I'm fine and the next they're back), but I'm going to try to stick it out and see. As far as blood sugar control, I've woken up in the 3 and 400's when off of it. It definitely is a great insulin for my levels. Devastated if I need to find another one now, but excited if my symptoms improve."

• Jov...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 28, 2021

For Type 2 Diabetes "This is the second day on this insulin. Woke up and my stomach was bloated, lump in my throat, and lethargic with flu-like symptoms. Waiting on a call back from my doctor."