Toujeo (Insulin Glargine) Solostar Peak Action
Toujeo (insulin glargine 300 U/mL) has no pronounced peak action time, providing a relatively constant concentration profile over 24 hours. 1
Pharmacokinetic Profile of Toujeo
- Insulin glargine has an onset of action of approximately 1 hour after subcutaneous injection 2, 1
- Unlike intermediate-acting insulins which peak at 6-8 hours, Toujeo has no distinct peak action time 2, 1
- Toujeo slowly releases insulin over 24 hours, causing more physiologic basal insulin levels 2, 1
- The duration of action extends beyond 24 hours, providing stable glucose control throughout the day 1, 3
Clinical Advantages of Peakless Profile
- The absence of a peak action time reduces the risk of hypoglycemia compared to intermediate-acting insulins 2, 1
- Toujeo has a more stable and prolonged pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profile than insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Lantus) 3
- The peakless profile allows for more stable blood glucose levels between meals and overnight 1
- Toujeo demonstrates a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia compared to NPH insulin 1, 4
Comparison with Other Insulin Types
| Insulin Type | Onset | Peak (hours) | Duration (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rapid-acting (aspart, lispro) | 5 minutes | 1-2 | 3-4 |
| Regular insulin | 15 minutes | 3-4 | 6-8 |
| Intermediate-acting (NPH) | 1 hour | 6-8 | 12 |
| Glargine (including Toujeo) | 1 hour | None | 24+ |
Clinical Implications
- The peakless profile of Toujeo makes it ideal for basal insulin coverage 2, 1
- Due to its flat action profile, Toujeo does not effectively treat postprandial hyperglycemia and may need to be supplemented with rapid-acting insulin at mealtimes 5
- The flatter and longer pharmacokinetic profile of Toujeo results in less intra/inter-variability, making glycemic control more predictable 6
- When switching from other basal insulins to Toujeo, dose adjustment and reinforced blood glucose monitoring may be necessary due to its unique pharmacokinetic profile 6
Administration Considerations
- Toujeo is typically administered once daily, though the time of administration can be flexible 1
- The SoloStar pen delivery system was developed to make insulin delivery easier and help eliminate barriers to insulin therapy initiation 7
- In some cases, particularly in patients with type 1 diabetes with more variable insulin requirements, Toujeo may be administered in two daily doses for more stable control 5