Toujeo vs Tresiba - What's the difference between them?

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Toujeo is a long-acting insulin that contains concentrated insulin glargine which lasts in the body for over 24 hours. Tresiba is an ultra-long acting insulin that contains insulin degludec which lasts in the body for over 42 hours.

Long-acting insulins are designed to mimic the body’s natural release of insulin, and both Toujeo and Tresiba were developed to provide more stable insulins that last longer in the body with less variability in blood levels over time. This translates to a lower risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels), especially at night. Research has shown that both Toujeo and Tresiba are effective at controlling blood sugar levels in people with diabetes with more research needed to determine whether there is less risk of night-time hypoglycemia with Tresiba compared with Toujeo.

Toujeo is sold as a packet of 3 cartridges at a cost of approximately $397 for 4.5 milliliters ($88.22/mL). Tresiba is sold in two strengths. The 100 unit/ml strength is available as a packet of 5 cartridges at a cost of approximately $490 for 15 milliliters ($32.67/mL). The 200 unit/ml strength is available as a packet of 3 cartridges at a cost of approximately $586 for 9 milliliters ($65.11/mL). If you take into consideration the concentration, Toujeo works out slightly cheaper than Tresiba (real cost value $29.41/ml with Toujeo vs $32.55/ml with Tresiba 200 units/ml). Prices may vary between pharmacies and with different insurance co-pays.

Once in use, Tresiba lasts for up to 8 weeks at room temperature (below 86°F [30°C]), if kept away from direct sunlight and heat, whereas Toujeo lasts for just 28 days at room temperature. The active ingredient of Tresiba, insulin degludec, is also available in combination with short-acting insulin aspart, as Ryzodeg 70/30 FlexTouch Pen.

Comparison Chart of Toujeo and Tresiba

Toujeo Tresiba Insulin glargine degludec Type Long acting basal insulin Ultra-long acting basal insulin Manufacturer Sanofi Novo Nordisk FDA approved 2015 2015 Dosage form Pen Pen Concentration (units/ml) 300 100, 200 Onset of action 6 hours 30-90 minutes Duration of action (hours) 24+ 42+ Time to reach steady state At least 5 days 3-4 days Administration Subcutaneous Subcutaneous Frequency of injection Daily Daily In-use storage 56 days at room temperature 8 weeks at room temperature Long-term storage Refrigerator Refrigerator Approximate cost $397 (300 units/ml: 4.5ml [3 cartridges]) $490 (100 units/ml: 15ml [5 cartridges]), $586 (200 units/ml:9 ml [3 cartridges])

See also: Toujeo vs Lantus

Toujeo vs Tresiba - What's the difference between them?

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Comparison Chart of Toujeo and Tresiba

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	Toujeo	Tresiba
Insulin	glargine	degludec
Type	Long acting basal insulin	Ultra-long acting basal insulin
Manufacturer	Sanofi	Novo Nordisk
FDA approved	2015	2015
Dosage form	Pen	Pen
Concentration (units/ml)	300	100, 200
Onset of action	6 hours	30-90 minutes
Duration of action (hours)	24+	42+
Time to reach steady state	At least 5 days	3-4 days
Administration	Subcutaneous	Subcutaneous
Frequency of injection	Daily	Daily
In-use storage	56 days at room temperature	8 weeks at room temperature
Long-term storage	Refrigerator	Refrigerator
Approximate cost	$397 (300 units/ml: 4.5ml [3 cartridges])	$490 (100 units/ml: 15ml [5 cartridges]), $586 (200 units/ml:9 ml [3 cartridges])