Is Toujeo Insulin?
Yes, Toujeo is insulin—specifically, it is insulin glargine 300 U/mL, a long-acting basal insulin analog used for treating both type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus. 1, 2
What Toujeo Is
Toujeo is a concentrated formulation of insulin glargine at 300 U/mL, which is three times more concentrated than the standard insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Lantus). 1
It functions as a long-acting basal insulin analog with a duration of glucose-lowering activity exceeding 24 hours. 2
The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles of Toujeo are flatter, longer, and more stable compared to insulin glargine 100 U/mL, with less intra- and inter-patient variability. 1
Clinical Classification
Toujeo belongs to the category of "new longer-acting basal analogs" (specifically U-300 glargine) that may confer lower hypoglycemia risk compared to U-100 glargine in individuals with type 1 diabetes. 3
Basal insulin analogs like Toujeo have longer duration of action with flatter, more constant plasma concentrations and activity profiles than NPH insulin. 3
Approved Uses
Toujeo is approved for once-daily subcutaneous administration in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. 1, 2
For type 1 diabetes, Toujeo must be used as part of a basal-bolus regimen that includes mealtime rapid-acting insulin, as basal insulin alone would fail to control postprandial glucose excursions. 4
For type 2 diabetes, Toujeo can be used alone or in combination with oral antidiabetic agents or mealtime insulin depending on the patient's needs. 2
Important Clinical Distinctions
Toujeo and Lantus (insulin glargine 100 U/mL) are NOT bioequivalent, and daily insulin requirements are typically slightly higher with Toujeo than with standard insulin glargine. 1
Switching from another basal insulin to Toujeo may require dose adjustment and reinforcement of blood glucose monitoring. 1
Toujeo offers comparable glycemic efficacy to insulin glargine 100 U/mL but with a lower risk of nocturnal hypoglycemia, particularly in insulin-experienced patients with type 2 diabetes. 2