TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML

What is TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML?

TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML is an ultralong-acting type of insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children (as young as 1 year of age) with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML works like the insulin that is normally produced by the body and helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy production. Also, it stops the liver from producing more sugar and this helps to normalize the blood sugar levels.

How is TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML administered?

TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML is injected just below the skin (subcutaneously). Your doctor will train you on the correct method and the areas (abdomen or stomach, thighs, arms, hips, or buttocks) where you should inject it. It is advised that the site of injection should be changed within the chosen area of skin, for every dose. For example, if you have been advised to inject it into the skin of your stomach, avoid puncturing the same point on your stomach every day. Rather, inject the needle at a site that is slightly away, say around 1cm, from the previous injection. You can also consider switching sides while injecting, like choosing the right side on one day and the left side on the next day. This way, you can reduce the complications associated with repeated injections in the same site such as thickening of the fat tissue below the skin known as lipodystrophy, irritation, pain etc. After one to two weeks, you should move to another area of your body (eg. from the stomach to the arms or thighs) as advised by your doctor. Consult your doctor if you face any problems while injecting TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML.

Are Insulin glargine and TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML the same?

Insulin glargine and TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML are both man-made versions of human insulin used to manage diabetes, however, they are different in some aspects. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that typically lasts about 24 hours and helps maintain adequate blood sugar control for an entire day. Whereas, TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML is an ultralong-acting insulin that can last longer (up to 42 hours) and helps control blood sugar levels for more than a day.

Is TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML better than insulin detemir?

Both TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML and insulin detemir are long-acting insulins with almost similar effectiveness and safety. The only difference is that TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML has the longest duration of action (more than 40 hours) and this helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels throughout this duration. Some studies have reported that TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML may have a slightly lesser risk of hypoglycemia.

Can TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML be used in combination with other diabetes medicines?

TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML can be safely used in combination with other diabetes medicines or fast-acting insulins if prescribed by the doctor. Take it in the dose and duration advised by your doctor to get maximum benefit. However, taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs), like pioglitazone, with TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML may cause heart failure in some people. This can happen even if you have never had heart failure or heart problems. In case you already have heart failure, it may get worse on taking TZDs with TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines, particularly any other diabetes medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine. Inform your doctor if you have or ever had any heart problems.

What should I avoid while taking TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML?

Your doctor will advise certain lifestyle changes and you must adhere to them. Stay active and exercise regularly. Avoid missing meals and monitor your blood sugar levels. You may consult a dietician and follow a diet chart that suits you best. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML affects you. Do not drink alcohol as it may cause some undesirable side effects like dizziness. Tell your doctor about all the other medicines that you are taking as they may affect your dosage.

Can TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML be used alone?

TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML can help with daily management of diabetes. However, you may still need to use short-acting insulin to treat spikes in your blood sugar levels and diabetic ketoacidosis (a dangerous buildup of acids in your blood).

Is TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML basal insulin?

Yes, TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML is basal insulin. There are three types of basal insulin currently available: Glargine, Detemir, and Degludec. The pharmacies sell these under different brand names. Basal insulin is a slow-acting type of insulin. People take it between mealtimes and before bedtime to control blood sugar outside of eating.

How does basal insulin work?

Long-acting insulins are also called basal or background insulins. They keep working in the background to keep your blood sugar under control throughout your daily routine. They’re absorbed into your body over a 24-hour period. Therefore, they keep blood sugar levels lowered for longer than short-acting insulins do.

Can TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML cause weight gain?

Yes, TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML may cause weight gain in some patients. This may be due to the anabolic effect of insulin which promotes the storage of glucose and fat.

Can TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML raise your blood sugar?

No, TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML by itself does not raise your blood sugar. However, if you stop taking TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML, miss a dose, or take a dose lower than what is prescribed, your blood sugar levels may rise. Furthermore, if the person has any other condition along with diabetes, especially infections, stress, irregular meals, or reduced activity levels, it may also lead to high blood sugar levels. As a result, their requirement for TRESIBA FLEX PEN 3 ML may increase further. Consult your doctor to know about any dose changes if you have been facing any of these issues or if your blood sugar levels are not controlled.