Toujeo

Toujeo is a brand-name long-acting insulin analog used to improve glycemic control in adults with diabetes. It contains insulin glargine in a concentration of 300 units per milliliter (U/mL), making it more concentrated than the standard 100 U/mL insulin glargine formulations. Each Toujeo SoloStar prefilled pen typically contains 900 units of insulin glargine.

Indications and use

Toujeo is indicated for subcutaneous once-daily administration to improve glycemic control in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It is designed to provide a steady, peak-less background level of insulin to help control fasting blood glucose. Dosing is individualized and may be adjusted based on blood glucose monitoring, meal patterns, and other antidiabetic therapies.

Mechanism and pharmacokinetics

As an insulin analog, Toujeo forms a depot in subcutaneous tissue after injection, releasing insulin slowly over about 24 hours. The U-300 formulation produces a flatter pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile with lower day-to-day variability than some earlier glargine products, contributing to a stable baseline insulin effect.

Administration and switching

Toujeo is administered once daily by subcutaneous injection, at the same time each day, and should not be diluted or mixed with other insulins in the same syringe. When switching from a less concentrated insulin glargine (such as 100 U/mL) to Toujeo, a dose reduction of approximately 20% is commonly recommended, with careful monitoring for hypoglycemia.

Safety and side effects

Common adverse effects include hypoglycemia, weight gain, and local reactions at the injection site. Serious allergic reactions are rare. As with all insulins, Toujeo carries a risk of hypoglycemia if meals are skipped or exercise or alcohol use is not accounted for, and therapy should be adjusted under medical supervision.