Is Tresiba (insulin degludec) an auto-injector?

Tresiba (Insulin Degludec) Is Not an Auto-Injector

No, Tresiba (insulin degludec) is not an auto-injector but rather a prefilled insulin pen that requires manual injection by the user. 1, 2

Understanding Tresiba's Delivery System

• Tresiba (insulin degludec) is available as a prefilled insulin pen called FlexTouch, which requires the user to manually inject the insulin by pressing the dose button 3, 4
• Unlike auto-injectors that automatically deliver medication with the press of a button against the skin, the FlexTouch pen requires manual depression of the dose button to deliver insulin 4
• Tresiba is available in two concentrations (U-100 and U-200), both delivered via the FlexTouch pen system, not as an auto-injector 1

Features of the Tresiba FlexTouch Pen

• The FlexTouch pen has a unique design with no push-button extension during injection, regardless of dose size, and requires lower injection force compared to some other insulin pens 4
• It allows for dosing up to 80 units with the U-100 formulation and up to 160 units with the U-200 formulation in a single injection 1, 4
• Studies show that patients often find the FlexTouch pen easy to learn, maintain, and adjust doses with, compared to other insulin pen devices 3

Insulin Delivery Options in Diabetes Care

• For people with diabetes requiring insulin, insulin pens (like Tresiba's FlexTouch) are generally preferred over syringes but are not auto-injectors 1
• True auto-injectors automatically deliver medication when pressed against the skin, while insulin pens like FlexTouch require manual depression of the dose button 1
• Other insulin delivery options include:
  • Traditional vial and syringe 1
  • Various insulin pen devices 1
  • Insulin pumps (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion) 1
  • Inhaled insulin for prandial dosing 1

Clinical Considerations for Insulin Pen Selection

• When choosing between insulin delivery systems, factors to consider include patient preferences, cost, insulin type, dosing regimen, and self-management capabilities 1
• Insulin pens like the FlexTouch may be particularly beneficial for patients with dexterity issues or vision impairment as they can facilitate more accurate insulin dosing compared to syringes 1
• Connected insulin pens (smart pens) that can track dosing information are also available and can be helpful for diabetes management 1

Common Misconceptions

• Many patients confuse prefilled insulin pens with auto-injectors because both are convenient alternatives to traditional vial and syringe 1
• The term "pen" can be misleading as it suggests a simple writing instrument, but insulin pens still require proper injection technique including site rotation and proper depth of insertion 1
• Some patients may confuse Tresiba's FlexTouch with auto-injector devices used for other medications (like epinephrine auto-injectors or some GLP-1 RA devices) 5, 6