Tresiba (insulin degludec) is a prescription brand-name medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to help manage blood sugar levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Tresiba is for use in adults as well as children ages 1 year and older. The drug is usually prescribed long-term for this purpose if you and your doctor agree that Tresiba is working for you.
It’s important to note that Tresiba isn’t approved to treat diabetic ketoacidosis, a possible serious complication of diabetes.
The active drug in Tresiba is insulin degludec, which is a
Tresiba comes as a liquid solution for subcutaneous injection. The drug is available in two forms: a pen and a vial that you use with syringes.
For information about the dosage of Tresiba, including its forms, strengths, and how to use the drug, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Tresiba, see this article.
This article describes typical dosages for Tresiba provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When using Tresiba, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor
The Tresiba dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors, which are described below. However, your dosing frequency is likely to be once per day. This is regardless of the type of diabetes you’re using the drug to treat and other factors. This is because Tresiba keeps working for a long time in your body.
Tresiba forms
Tresiba comes as a liquid solution for subcutaneous injection. The drug comes in two forms: a disposable, prefilled FlexTouch injection pen and a vial for use with syringes. You and your doctor can decide which dosage form is best for you.
The prefilled FlexTouch injection pen was designed to make injections simpler. The pen also includes multiple doses.
But if you’re used to vials or prefer pulling up an insulin dose manually, you may want to use the vial form. Also, if you’re giving a child fewer than 5 units of Tresiba per day, the vial is the preferred form.
Tresiba strengths
The two forms of Tresiba are available in different strengths:
- Disposable, prefilled FlexTouch injection pen. The pen contains 3 milliliters (mL) of drug solution and comes in two strengths:
- 100 units of insulin degludec per 1 mL of solution
- 200 units of insulin degludec per 1 mL of solution
- Vial for use with syringes. This form of Tresiba is available in one size: 10 mL. The vial comes in one strength: 100 units of insulin degludec per 1 mL of solution.
Typical dosages
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to use the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you. Keep in mind that there’s no recommended maximum dose of Tresiba because that depends on your blood sugar levels. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. If you have questions about how much Tresiba to use, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for type 1 diabetes
The following dosage chart shows the recommended dosing guidance for Tresiba in treating type 1 diabetes. The chart includes the starting dose.
Age group | Recommended Tresiba dose | Dosing frequency |
adults as well as children ages 1 year and older who aren’t already using insulin | Your doctor will calculate your total daily dose of insulin using your body weight. Your starting dose of Tresiba will be about one-half to one-third of your total daily insulin dose. | once per day |
adults already using insulin | Usually, your starting dose of Tresiba will be the same as the total unit dose of the intermediate- or long-acting insulin that you currently use. | once per day |
children ages 1 year and older already using insulin | The starting dose of Tresiba will be about 80% of the total unit dose of the intermediate- or long-acting insulin that your child currently uses. | once per day |
You should try and have your Tresiba dose at the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the drug in your body so it can effectively manage your blood sugar.
Dosage for type 2 diabetes
The following dosage chart shows the recommended dosing guidance for Tresiba in treating type 2 diabetes. The chart includes the starting dose.
Age group | Recommended Tresiba dose | Dosing frequency |
adults who aren’t already using insulin | 10 units | once per day |
children ages 1 year and older who aren’t already using insulin | Your child’s doctor will calculate a starting dose based on your child’s body weight and blood sugar levels. | |
adults already using insulin | Usually, your starting dose of Tresiba will be the same as the total unit dose of the intermediate- or long-acting insulin that you currently use. | once per day |
children ages 1 year and older already using insulin | The starting dose of Tresiba will be about 80% of the total unit dose of the intermediate- or long-acting insulin that your child currently uses. | once per day |
You should try and have your Tresiba dose at the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent level of the drug in your body so it can effectively manage your blood sugar.
Long-term use
Tresiba is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Tresiba is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.
Children’s dosage
For children’s dosages of Tresiba as a treatment for type 1 or type 2 diabetes, see the charts above. Like adults, children should try and have their Tresiba dose at the same time each day.
If your child’s doctor prescribes a dosage of fewer than 5 units per day, the manufacturer of Tresiba recommends using the vial form of the drug. If you have questions about the form of Tresiba that your child should use, talk with their doctor or pharmacist.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Tresiba dosages.
Can you take Tresiba twice per day?
You shouldn’t use Tresiba twice per day unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
Tresiba contains the active drug insulin degludec. Insulin degludec is what’s known as a basal insulin (a long-acting insulin). It’s meant to be absorbed slowly and released into your blood over time. Tresiba can work for up to 42 hours after you inject a dose.
Be sure to use the Tresiba dose that your doctor recommends. If you have questions about your dose or how often to use Tresiba, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
How does Tresiba’s dosing compare with that of Lantus?
Here’s some information about how Tresiba and Lantus are alike and different in terms of dosing for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Both Tresiba and Lantus are given by subcutaneous injection. And both come as prefilled pens or vials. Tresiba pens are called FlexTouch pens, while Lantus pens are called SoloStar pens. Below are some other similarities and differences between the two drugs:
- Adults with type 1 diabetes. To treat type 1 diabetes in adults with either drug, the doctor will calculate the total daily dose of insulin using body weight. In addition, Tresiba may be used alone to treat type 1 diabetes. Lantus, on the other hand, must be used with a short-acting insulin, such as insulin aspart (Novolog).
- Children with type 1 diabetes. For treating type 1 diabetes in children, the dosages of Tresiba and Lantus are the same as those for adults.
- Adults with type 2 diabetes. For treating type 2 diabetes in adults, the starting doses of Tresiba and Lantus differ.
- Children with type 2 diabetes. Tresiba is approved to treat type 2 diabetes in children ages 1 year and older. Lantus hasn’t been studied in children with type 2 diabetes, so there isn’t a recommended dose of the drug for this age group.
For more details about Tresiba’s dosing, see the “Tresiba dosage” section above or ask your doctor. For specifics about the dosing for Lantus, you can refer to this article or talk with your doctor.
To learn how else Tresiba and Lantus compare, you can refer to this article.
If you use more Tresiba than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.
It’s important that you don’t use more Tresiba than your doctor recommends.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Tresiba can include:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can be life threatening. Hypoglycemia may cause effects such as shakiness, anxiety, confusion, and coma.
- Hypokalemia (low blood potassium), which can also be life threatening. Hypokalemia may cause effects such as muscle cramping, heart palpitations (a feeling of skipped or extra heartbeats), weakness, and constipation.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Tresiba
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve used too much Tresiba. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you miss a dose of Tresiba, have the missed dose as soon as you remember. But keep in mind that your doses should be at least 8 hours apart. After you have the missed dose, follow your regular dosing schedule.
If your child misses a dose of Tresiba, talk with their doctor. The doctor may want you to monitor your child’s blood sugar levels more closely than usual for a short period.
If you have questions about missed doses, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or timer on your phone or downloading a reminder app. A kitchen timer can work, too.
The Tresiba dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of your diabetes
- goals for your blood sugar levels
- how well your blood sugar has been managed in the past
- your past insulin dosages (if you’ve used insulin before)
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Tresiba dosage.
Dosage adjustments
Sometimes, your Tresiba dosage may need to be adjusted. For example, changes in your diet or the amount of physical activity you do can alter your insulin requirements. Your insulin needs can also change during times of stress or illness, especially if you have a fever or infection. Your doctor can help determine whether your Tresiba dose should be adjusted.
You may also need to have your Tresiba dosage adjusted if you have kidney or liver problems. (Examples of these problems include chronic kidney disease and alcohol-related liver disease.) When using Tresiba, kidney or liver problems may increase your risk for a side effect called hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
You should use Tresiba according to the instructions that your doctor or another healthcare professional gives you.
You’ll give yourself Tresiba doses by subcutaneous injection. You’ll likely inject the drug once per day, at the same time every day. A healthcare professional, such as a pharmacist, can show you how to give yourself Tresiba injections when you first pick up your prescription.
You should inject Tresiba just under the skin of your abdomen (belly), upper arm, or thigh.
It’s recommended that you choose a different injection site for each dose of Tresiba. This may help prevent reactions at the injection site, such as itching or pain.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t inject Tresiba into a vein or muscle. Also, avoid injecting Tresiba into skin that’s bruised, tender, scarred, or damaged.
For a step-by-step instructional video about giving Tresiba injections, refer to the manufacturer’s website.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Tresiba for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Tresiba without your doctor’s approval. If you have questions about your dosage of Tresiba, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Tresiba. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Tresiba. For information about other aspects of Tresiba, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Tresiba, see this article. You can also look at the Tresiba patient information.
- Details on about type 1 and 2 diabetes. For details on about type 1 and type 2 diabetes, see our diabetes hub. You can also refer to our list of diabetes articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or other healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.