What is Toujeo Solostar Uses, warnings & interactions
Complete a free online enrollment application to find out if you’re eligible to pay only $49 per month for your Toujeo Solostar medication.
Get started todayToujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting type of insulin that is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. It was approved in 2015 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce high blood sugar levels in adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age and older with diabetes mellitus.
What is Toujeo SoloStar used for?
Toujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting basal insulin used along with diet and exercise to help treat hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels) in adults with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in children 6 years of age and older. Toujeo SoloStar is not approved to treat diabetic ketoacidosis.
How does Toujeo SoloStar work?
Toujeo SoloStar (insulin glargine) is a biological medication that is similar to naturally made (endogenous) insulin. The main activity of insulin, including Toujeo, is to regulate glucose metabolism. It does this by stimulating the uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle and adipose tissue (fat). Toujeo SoloStar also prevents glucose production in your liver.
What are the most commonly prescribed doses of Toujeo SoloStar?
Toujeo is available as 300 units of insulin glargine per milliliter in:
- 1.5 mL Toujeo SoloStar prefilled pen
- 3 mL Toujeo Max SoloStar prefilled pen
Before taking Toujeo SoloStar
Before starting Toujeo SoloStar, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:
- Liver or kidney dysfunction
- Heart failure or other heart problems
- Are taking thiazolidinediones (TZDs)
- Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding
How to take Toujeo SoloStar
- Read the Full Prescribing Information, Patient Information, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with your Toujeo pen.
- Use Toujeo SoloStar exactly as your healthcare provider 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 ensure you are administering the correct amount of insulin.
- 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 Toujeo SoloStar 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. You can use the same area of the body but not the same spot.
- You should not use Toujeo SoloStar in an insulin pump or inject Toujeo SoloStar 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 Toujeo 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 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 Toujeo SoloStar pen should be stored with the pen cap on.
Toujeo SoloStar contraindications
Toujeo SoloStar is contraindicated in patients who have any of the following medical conditions:
- Hypersensitivity to Toujeo SoloStar or any of its inactive ingredients.
- Are having an active episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level) or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Toujeo SoloStar warnings
- You should never share your Toujeo SoloStar pen with another person, even if the needle has been changed.
- The risk of life-threatening severe hypoglycemia is increased with changes to your daily dose of insulin, diet, or amount of physical activity. You are also at an increased risk if you add additional diabetic medications such as short-acting insulins. Make sure you are familiar with the symptoms of hypoglycemia, which include tremors, nervousness, fast heartbeat, sweating, blurred vision, confusion, drowsiness, and extreme hunger.
- Severe allergic reactions have been reported with this medication. Discontinue it immediately and seek medical assistance if you have any signs of anaphylaxis.
- Increased risk of low potassium levels with this medication. Your doctor should monitor your potassium levels if needed.
- Increased risk of fluid retention and heart failure when this medication is used along with thiazolidinediones (TZDs) such as Actos (pioglitazone).
Most common side effects of Toujeo SoloStar
The most common possible side effects of Toujeo SoloStar include:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Injection site reactions
- Pruritis (itching)
- Rash
- Weight gain
- Edema
- Lipodystrophy (pitted or thickened skin)
It can sometimes cause serious side effects such as:
- Severe allergic reactions including hives, angioedema, and trouble breathing
- Low blood potassium levels
Contact your doctor 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.
Toujeo SoloStar drug interactions
When Toujeo SoloStar is taken with other medications, it can change the way they work or increase the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take, including:
- Other diabetic medications such as metformin
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- Corticosteroids
- Atypical antipsychotics
Toujeo SoloStar alternatives
There are other diabetes medications that your healthcare professional can prescribe if Toujeo SoloStar is not right for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:
- Basaglar KwikPen (insulin glargine)
- Lantus SoloStar (insulin glargine)
- Levemir (insulin detemir)
- Fiasp FlexTouch (insulin aspart)
- Tresiba FlexTouch (insulin degludec)
How does Toujeo SoloStar compare with Tresiba FlexTouch?
Tresiba and Toujeo are both indicated by the FDA to improve glycemic control in patients with T1DM and T2DM. Tresiba can be used in adults and children aged 1 year and older. Toujeo is approved for adults and children 6 years of age and older. While they are both considered long-acting insulins, Toujeo will work for up to 36 hours while Tresiba works for up to 42 hours. They both have similar side effects and drug interactions.
Toujeo and Tresiba have been directly compared in clinical studies involving T1DM and T2DM patients.
Multiple studies have shown that Toujeo and Tresiba are similarly effective at improving blood glucose levels and lowering hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Patients who took Toujeo had fewer episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) than those who took Tresiba.
There is currently no generic alternative available for either medication. Toujeo SoloStar has an average cost of about $450 for #3, 1.5ml prefilled pens while Tresiba FlexTouch costs over $600 for #5, 3ml prefilled pens.
Toujeo SoloStar FAQs
How do I store Toujeo SoloStar?
You can use your Toujeo SoloStar pen for up to 56 days after its first use. New Toujeo SoloStar pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze your pen 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.
How long does it take for Toujeo SoloStar to start working?
Toujeo SoloStar will start working 6 hours after administering a dose and can last up to 36 hours. It can take up to 5 days for you to see the full glucose-lowering effect of Toujeo SoloStar.
Can you take Toujeo SoloStar while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?
Studies on the use of insulin glargine in pregnant women did not show a clear association with adverse effects on the fetus. While endogenous insulin is found in breast milk, there is no data on whether Toujeo SoloStar is excreted in breast milk or the effects it may have on the 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.
Should I take Toujeo SoloStar in the morning or at night?
Toujeo SoloStar should be administered once daily. It can be taken at any time of the day but it should be taken at the same time every day.
Is there a generic for Toujeo SoloStar?
Currently, there is no generic for Toujeo SoloStar available on the market. However, you can still save on brand-name drugs like Toujeo SoloStar through NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
