Many pharmaceutical products are used to treat diabetes mellitus (Type 1 and 2). Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that develops due to either insulin resistance or complete deficiency of insulin.

In both cases, your physician may prescribe insulin injections to keep your blood glucose levels within a healthy range. Of many commercial forms of insulin, Toujeo and Basaglar are among the most prevalent.

What is Toujeo?

Toujeo contains insulin glargine, a long-acting form of insulin, as the active ingredient. The onset of action is several hours after ingestion and it remains active for 24 hours. This eliminates the need for frequent or multiple doses, as a single dose per day is enough to regulate blood glucose levels.

Toujeo is used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adult and pediatric patients six years of age and older. It is supplied in 3ml and 1.5ml prefilled pens for single-patient use:

Toujeo Max SoloStar contains 900 units of Toujeo U-300 that delivers in 2 incremental units. A single injection provides up to 160 units of Toujeo. It is recommended for those who require at least 20 units of insulin per day.

Toujeo SoloStar contains 450 units of Toujeo U-300. A single injection delivers 80 units of Toujeo. It delivers doses in 1-unit increments.

What is Basaglar?

Basaglar is a long-acting insulin that, like Toujeo, contains insulin glargine. It works evenly for 24 hours, beginning a few hours after injection.

Basaglar is used to treat Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adults and Type 1 diabetes in children. The safety and efficacy of this product in pediatric patients below the age of six years has not been established.

Basaglar is supplied in KwinPen and Tempo Pen prefilled 3ml pens for single-patient-use of 100 units/mL (U-100). Each pen can deliver a maximum dose of 80 units.

Basaglar comes in a more decreased concentration than Toujeo. Patients with Type 1 diabetes should take Basaglar alongside a short-acting insulin.

Difference Between Toujeo and Basaglar

While both Toujeo and Basaglar contain long-acting insulin glargine, the former treats both Type 1 and Type 2 pediatric patients while the latter treats only Type 1 pediatric patients.

Toujeo prefilled pens are available in two dosage units (160 and 80), whereas Basaglar is available in a single dose (80 units). People with Type 1 diabetes require an additional supplement of short-acting insulin along with Basaglar.

The common side effects are similar for both drugs, including:

    • Hypoglycemia
    • Injection site reactions
    • Skin thickening or pits at the injection site (lipodystrophy)

Before taking Toujeo and Basaglar, inform your doctor of all of your medical conditions.

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Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.