Toujeo Solostar Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayToujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting type of insulin that is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. It is FDA-approved to improve glycemic control in adult and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Toujeo SoloStar is not approved to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does Toujeo SoloStar work?
Toujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine) is a biological medication with a mechanism of action that is similar to human insulin (endogenous). The main action of insulin, including the long-acting basal insulin analog Toujeo SoloStar, is to manage blood glucose control. It helps treat hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) by promoting the uptake of glucose into muscle and adipose tissue (fat) and preventing glucose production in your liver. Insulin also inhibits the breakdown of fat (lipolysis) and protein (proteolysis).
Toujeo SoloStar dosage forms and strengths
Toujeo SoloStar is available in a concentration of 300units/ml in:
- 1.5ml Toujeo SoloStar prefilled pen
- 3ml Toujeo Max SoloStar prefilled pen
Toujeo SoloStar dosage
Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) should use Toujeo SoloStar with a short-acting insulin. Your doctor should individualize and titrate your daily dose of Toujeo based on your metabolic needs, blood glucose monitoring results, and plasma glucose goal. Dosage adjustments may be needed if you have changes in your physical activity, diet, illness, or liver or kidney function. Any changes to your insulin therapy should be done cautiously under medical supervision.
The recommended starting dose of Toujeo SoloStar in insulin-naive patients with T1DM should be about 1/3 to 1/2 of your total daily insulin dose. The remainder of your daily insulin dose should be given as rapid or short-acting insulin and divided between each meal.
The recommended starting dose of Toujeo SoloStar in insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is 0.2units/kg of body weight once a day.
For patients who are currently taking once-daily insulin, Toujeo SoloStar should be started at the same unit dose as their once-daily long-acting insulin dose. If you are changing from Lantus (insulin glargine), you may need a higher dose of Toujeo.
For patients currently on twice-daily insulin, Toujeo SoloStar should be started at 80% of the total daily NPH or Levemir (insulin detemir) dose.
Toujeo SoloStar dosage restrictions
The effects of renal impairment or hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of Toujeo SoloStar have not been studied. Frequently blood glucose monitoring and dose adjustments may be needed if you have serious kidney or liver problems.
How to take Toujeo SoloStar
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with your Toujeo SoloStar pen.
- Use Toujeo SoloStar exactly as your doctor prescribes it to you. Do not change your dose or stop taking Toujeo SoloStar without discussing it with them.
- Check your prescription label and pen every time you take your Toujeo SoloStar injection to avoid medication errors and ensure you are administering the correct amount of insulin.
- Toujeo SoloStar is a clear and colorless solution. Do not use it if it is cloudy, colored, or has particles in it.
- Toujeo SoloStar pens deliver doses in 1-unit increments and can administer a maximum of 80 units in a single injection. Toujeo Max SoloStar pens deliver doses in 2-unit increments and can administer a maximum of 160 units in a single injection.
- Toujeo SoloStar is typically given as an injection under the skin of your thighs, upper arms, or stomach area once daily. It can be given at any time of the day but should be given at the same time every day. Do not reuse needles. Use a new needle with each injection. Reusing needles can lead to a serious infection or cause you to get the wrong insulin dose.
- Dispose of your used pen needles in a sharps container or a hard plastic container with a secure lid. Do not throw used needles away in your household trash.
- Rotate your injection site with each dose of Toujeo SoloStar. This will help to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and cutaneous amyloidosis (build-up of protein under the skin). You can use the same area of the body but not the same spot.
- You should not use this medication in an insulin pump or inject it intravenously (in your vein). Do not mix Toujeo SoloStar with other insulin products.
- You can use your Toujeo SoloStar pen for up to 56 days after its first use. New pens can be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C) until their expiration date. Do not freeze Toujeo SoloStar or use it if it has been frozen. After the first time you use your pen, you can keep it at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) away from direct heat and light. Do not put your pen back in the refrigerator after it has been out. Your new or used Toujeo pen should be stored with the pen cap on.
Toujeo SoloStar dosage FAQs
What are some common side effects of Toujeo SoloStar?
The most common adverse reactions of Toujeo SoloStar include:
- https://www.clearscope.io/nice-health-group-ltd/reports/a90b1e187a48a6ba/editorHypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Injection site reactions
- Edema
- Itching
- Rash
- Weight gain
- Lipodystrophy (thickening of the skin)
Toujeo SoloStar can sometimes cause serious adverse reactions, including:
- Life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and trouble breathing
- Hypokalemia
Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Toujeo. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What are some drug interactions with Toujeo SoloStar?
When Toujeo SoloStar is taken with other drugs, it may affect how they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your healthcare professional is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Some major drug interactions with Toujeo include:
- Other antidiabetic medications such as metformin
- Beta-blockers
- Atypical antipsychotics
- Corticosteroids
- Alcohol
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Serpasil (reserpine)
Are there any contraindications or precautions with Toujeo SoloStar?
Toujeo SoloStar should not be taken if you have had an allergic reaction to its active ingredient, excipients, or other insulin glargine products. It is also contraindicated in patients who are having episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Some other warnings and precautions you should be aware of with Toujeo include:
- Do not share your Toujeo SoloStar pen or Toujeo Max SoloStar pen with anyone else.
- You have an increased risk of hypoglycemia with changes to your insulin dose, insulin regimen, diet, or physical activity. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of hypoglycemia so you will know what to look for and can treat it accordingly. Symptoms of low blood sugar include tremors, nervousness, fast heart rate, sweating, chills, confusion, fatigue, and excessive hunger.
- Serious hypersensitivity reactions have occurred with this medication. Discontinue this medication and seek immediate medical assistance if you have any signs of anaphylaxis.
- There is an increased risk of hypokalemia (low potassium levels) with Toujeo SoloStar. Your doctor should monitor your potassium levels as needed.
- Increased risk of fluid retention and heart failure when Toujeo SoloStar is used along with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as Actos (pioglitazone).
How long does it take for Toujeo SoloStar to start working?
Toujeo SoloStar is a long-acting insulin that will take up to 6 hours after the injection to start working and will last for around 36 hours.
How much will Toujeo SoloStar lower my blood sugar?
In one randomized controlled trial of insulin-naive patients with type 2 diabetes, those who took Toujeo SoloStar along with mealtime insulin had their HbA1c level reduced by an average of 1.64% after 24 weeks.
Does Toujeo SoloStar cause weight gain?
Toujeo SoloStar, along with other insulin medications, can cause weight gain. It is a common side effect reported by people taking this medication during clinical trials.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Toujeo SoloStar?
Drinking alcohol while taking Toujeo SoloStar can increase your risk of a dangerous decrease in your blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). It is recommended that you should avoid or limit alcohol while being treated with this medication.
How do I store my Toujeo SoloStar?
Your Toujeo SoloStar insulin pen can be used for up to 56 days after its first use. Unused pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze or use the pen if it has been frozen. After you use your Toujeo SoloStar pen, you can keep it at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) away from direct heat and light. Do not put your pen back in the refrigerator after it has been out. Your new or used pens should be stored with the pen cap on.
Is it safe to use Toujeo SoloStar while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Studies on the use of insulin glargine during pregnancy did not show an association with adverse effects on the fetus. While naturally made insulin is excreted during lactation, there is no data on whether Toujeo SoloStar is found in breast milk or the effects it may have on your infant. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Related resources for Toujeo SoloStar dosage
- https://products.sanofi.us/toujeo/toujeo.pdf
- https://www.toujeopro.com/
- https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/Toujeo-insulin-glargine-3688
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-167874/toujeo-solostar-u-300-insulin-subcutaneous/details
- https://reference.medscape.com/drug/lantus-toujeo-insulin-glargine-999003#3
