Uses
What is Toujeo used for?
Toujeo (insulin glargine) is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with either type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Learn more about Using Toujeo to Control Your Diabetes.
Toujeo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Toujeo work (mechanism of action)?
Toujeo works to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. Toujeo provides a substance called insulin that works throughout the day. Insulin helps absorb sugar from the blood and reduce sugar production from the liver.
How is Toujeo supplied (dosage forms)?
Toujeo is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).
- 300 units/mL (U-300) 1.5 mL single-patient-use prefilled pen
- 300 units/mL (U-300) 3 mL single-patient-use prefilled pen
How should I store Toujeo?
Store unopened Toujeo in a refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) until the expiration date on the label or at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for up to 56 days.
Store opened Toujeo in a refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) or at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for up to 56 days.
Store Toujeo in the original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze Toujeo.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Toujeo?
The most common side effects of Toujeo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Low blood sugar (see below)
- Allergic reactions, such as rash and itching (see below)
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the the injection site
- More or less fat tissue at the site of Toujeo injection
- Swelling from extra fluid (edema)
- Weight gain
There may be other side effects of Toujeo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Toujeo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Toujeo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Toujeo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Toujeo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Toujeo can cause low blood sugar, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Do not use Toujeo and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Low Potassium Level (Hypokalemia). Toujeo can cause a low potassium level, which can be serious and may lead to death. Your healthcare provider will check your potassium levels, especially if you take certain other medicines. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of a low potassium level.
- Weakness
- Unusual tiredness
- Muscle cramps or twitching
- Constipation
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Toujeo?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Toujeo.
- Toujeo
- Insulin glargine
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Toujeo.
What should I know about Toujeo before using it?
Do not use Toujeo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. This medicine is to be injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Toujeo. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Do not share Toujeo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Do not reuse or share needles with other people because you may get a serious infection.
Keep Toujeo out of the reach of children. Since this medicine must be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
Be careful if you are using multiple insulin products. To prevent a medicine mistake, do not use a syringe to remove Toujeo from the SoloStar or Max SoloStar pen. Before any injection of insulin, check the insulin label.
Do not use the same exact spot for each Toujeo injection. Do not inject where your skin is thickened or bruised.
Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Toujeo affects you.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Toujeo?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Toujeo is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Heart Failure. Toujeo may increase your risk of heart failure when used with other diabetes medicines for diabetes called pioglitazone (Actos) or rosiglitazone (Avandia). Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of heart failure.
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Unusually fast weight gain
- Tiredness
Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- No awareness of low blood sugar level
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
Other Medicines and Supplements. Toujeo may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Toujeo, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Toujeo could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Toujeo while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Toujeo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Toujeo?
For more information about Toujeo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.toujeo.com or call them at 800-633-1610.
Interactions
Does Toujeo interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Toujeo and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Toujeo, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of Toujeo. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does Toujeo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Many other medicines can increase or decrease your blood sugar, which may interfere with the effect of Toujeo or increase the effect of Toujeo and risk of hypoglycemia. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider before starting or stopping other medicines while using Toujeo. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely during these times.
Some medicines may make it difficult to notice signs of low blood sugar. You may need to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely if you take any of these medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Toujeo. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Toujeo?
If you or someone else has used too much Toujeo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Toujeo?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Toujeo (insulin glargine)?
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