Tresiba and Itching: What Users Say

• 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."

• Mik...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 13, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I went to the doctor for a follow-up on my blood work. Turns out my A1C was a 12. I’m a newly diagnosed diabetic, and my doctor put me on Tresiba and Toujeo along with metformin and glimepiride. At first, I was given some samples of the Tresiba and had to wait on the Toujeo due to insurance costs. I had a little itching, but it subsided. I have finally found the correct dose of Tresiba, and it works great so far along with my other diabetic medications. You just have to find the correct amount of insulin units, unfortunately, for your body."

• seb...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 11, 2022

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 10 years ago, found through routine bloodwork. I was immediately put on mealtime insulin, but we discovered very quickly that I am extremely sensitive to insulin. About 4-5 years ago, I was put on Tresiba. I was only using 5 units a day, but went up to about 8 about 3 weeks ago. I've been feeling terrible lately, so I thought back and realized very slowly I was getting progressively worse and worse with the way I felt. My side effects have been: some form of a headache every night from slight to debilitating; horrible joint pain, mainly in my fingers and toes; itchy, congested ears; hoarse voice; blurry bad vision; depression; constant fatigue; zero libido (I'm a female); all over the place readings for no apparent reason; high fasting numbers; and more. Also, my A1C over the years keeps creeping up and up and up. I just switched back to a sulfonylurea, I'm so thankful! I wanted to share to let people know these things aren't just in their head!"

• Mou...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "My husband had a very bad reaction to this drug. After two days of taking it, he started developing a few itchy spots under his armpits, which he initially thought were insect bites. Twenty-four hours later, he developed an itchy rash all over his body, his face swelled up, and he looked sunburnt. He was urinating frequently, had slurred speech, and anxiety, and said he felt like his body was on fire. Discontinued use, but a week later his symptoms are only just starting to subside."

• Mun...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 27, 2022

For Diabetes, Type 1 "Best basal insulin on the market. I have tried Levemir and Lantus, neither comes close to the flatness of Tresiba. Tresiba works over a long period. Downside is that where I inject, I feel itchy for a few moments. Great insulin and cannot imagine life without it!"

• Ray...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 7, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "I was on this medication for a little over a month. I began itching shortly after I started it. It controlled my sugar, but I have nearly gone crazy itching!"

• ami...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 1, 2016

For Diabetes, Type 1 "Itching, urinary frequency, and thirst way beyond WNL."