Toujeo and Lantus are both long-acting basal insulins used to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. These insulin drugs contain the same active ingredient, which is insulin glargine, an insulin analogue that takes effect several hours after injection and regulates blood glucose production and usage for 24 hours.
Both these medications are administered under the skin (subcutaneous) usually once a day at the same time every day.
What is Toujeo?
Approved in 2015 as the first-ever concentrated long-acting insulin, Toujeo is prescribed for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes age 18 years old and older. Toujeo contains 300 units of insulin glargine per milliliter (U300), thrice the formulation of Lantus at 100 units per milliliter (U100).
The concentration leads to a prolonged absorption and longer duration in the body. The onset to action Toujeo is 5 hours and lasts in the body for more than 24 hours. Toujeo’s half-life is at 19 hours and takes 5 days to reach its steady state. Dosage should not be increased until the medication has had enough time to reach its full effects.
What is Lantus?
Lantus is one of the most widely-used long-acting insulins to reduce blood glucose levels for both adults and children with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Lantus’ time-tested effectivity at improving glycemic control has been proven by several clinical studies and its reputation as the most prescribed long-acting insulin.
Lantus starts working one to three hours after injection, and controls blood sugar levels for 24 hours. Its half-life is 12 hours and it reaches a steady state after two to four days.
What is the difference between Toujeo and Lantus?
The main difference between Toujeo and Lantus is the concentration of insulin glargine.
With Toujeo at 300 units/mL and Lantus at 100 units/mL, Toujeo packs a smaller injection volume than Lantus. The concentration of the product does not affect the strength, therefore Toujeo is not stronger than Lantus.
The concentration of Toujeo accounts for a slower absorption, more consistent insulin activity, and longer duration of insulin in the body. Lantus, on the other hand, is absorbed and utilized faster, so the body takes lesser time to achieve all-day blood glucose control. Since there is no difference in chemical formulation, Toujeo and Lantus are equally effective in improving glycemic control.
Another significant difference is that Lantus is prescribed for adults and children age 6 years old and above, while Toujeo is indicated for patients age 18 years old and above only. Lantus is also available in both vial and pen form, while Toujeo is only available in the SoloStar pen.
Several studies have shown that Toujeo’s concentration reduces the risk of hypoglycemia by 30% compared to other long-acting insulins. On the other hand, it is less likely to get an upper tract infection with Lantus, compared to Toujeo.
Conclusion
Lantus and Toujeo are both effective long-acting insulins that differ in insulin glargine concentration. This is important to cater to the varying levels of insulin needs of individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes. To best know which insulin is best suited for you, consult a healthcare professional.
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