Tresiba® FlexTouch Pens for Long-Acting Basal Insulin Support

What Tresiba® Is and How It Works

Tresiba® (insulin degludec) is an ultra long-acting basal insulin for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and for pediatric patients one year and older. It helps provide steady background insulin over 24 hours and beyond. Many people compare options to manage costs, including Tresiba FlexTouch Pens without insurance. CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. Prescriptions are verified with your clinic, and orders are filled by licensed Canadian pharmacies.

We work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies to supply authentic brand medications at value-focused prices. Tresiba comes in prefilled FlexTouch pens in U-100 (100 units/mL) and U-200 (200 units/mL) strengths. The U-100 pen doses in 1‑unit steps, up to 80 units per injection. The U-200 pen doses in 2‑unit steps, up to 160 units per injection, which can reduce injection volume for higher daily doses.

Tresiba is injected under the skin once daily. It reaches steady state after several days of regular use. Its profile shows low day-to-day variability and a long duration of action (beyond 24 hours, up to about 42 hours). This supports stable fasting glucose and flexible timing if needed. For type 1 diabetes, it is used with rapid-acting or short-acting mealtime insulin. For type 2 diabetes, it may be used alone or with other agents.

Typical starting approaches vary by patient needs, prior therapy, and clinical guidance. For insulin-naive adults with type 2 diabetes, 10 units once daily is a common starting point in guidelines, with gradual titration to fasting glucose targets. People with type 1 diabetes use Tresiba as the basal component of a basal-bolus plan. Dose adjustments are individualized.

Dosage and Usage

• Check the pen label to confirm U-100 or U-200 before each use.
• Prime the pen before the first dose and when needed per device instructions.
• Turn the dose selector to the prescribed number of units.
• Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Rotate injection sites to reduce lipodystrophy and skin irritation.
• Use once daily at a consistent time when possible; a wider dosing window may be allowed if needed, with at least 8 hours between doses.
• If a dose is missed, follow the patient leaflet or clinician guidance; avoid doubling the next dose.
• Do not share pens. Always use a new needle for each injection.
• U-200 pens deliver the selected dose in units. Do not convert units; never withdraw from a pen with a syringe.

• Unopened pens: store refrigerated at 2–8°C (36–46°F). Do not freeze.
• In-use pens: keep at room temperature (below 30°C/86°F) or refrigerated. Discard after 56 days of first use.
• Keep the pen cap on to protect from light. Do not expose to heat or direct sunlight.
• For travel, carry pens in an insulated bag. Do not pack in checked luggage.
• Bring extra needles and a backup pen. Carry a copy of your prescription.
• Do not use pens that were frozen, overheated, or appear damaged or cloudy.

Benefits and Savings

Tresiba provides very long, flat basal coverage with lower day‑to‑day variability compared with some basal insulins. Many studies report fewer nocturnal hypoglycemia events versus certain comparators, while achieving similar A1C reduction. Once‑daily dosing supports consistent routines. The U‑200 strength can limit injection volume for those on higher doses.

The FlexTouch device is simple to dial and dose, with a smooth injection mechanism. The dose counter shows units, not mL, and does not change with pen strength, helping reduce dose confusion. Pens are disposable and travel‑friendly, with no need to load cartridges.

Many customers save 60–80% vs typical U.S. prices. Savings can be helpful for those paying cash or comparing options, including those seeking Tresiba FlexTouch Pens without insurance.

See our promotions page for current offers, including any Tresiba FlexTouch Pens coupon if available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Hypoglycemia (shakiness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat)
• Injection site reactions (redness, swelling, itching)
• Weight gain
• Edema (fluid retention)
• Lipodystrophy or skin thickening at injection sites
• Allergic reactions (rash or itching)
• Upper respiratory symptoms, headache, or gastrointestinal discomfort

Serious risks include severe hypoglycemia, hypersensitivity reactions, and hypokalemia. For type 1 diabetes, using basal insulin without adequate mealtime insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. The risk of hypoglycemia can increase when Tresiba is combined with sulfonylureas or other insulin. Dose changes, meal timing, activity, and illness can affect glucose levels. Discuss individual risk factors and sick‑day plans with a clinician.

Onset Time

Basal activity begins within hours, but Tresiba reaches a stable steady state after several days of consistent dosing. Fasting glucose often improves during the first 1–2 weeks as titration progresses. A1C changes typically emerge over 8–12 weeks. Weight effects vary across individuals and regimens.

Compare With Alternatives

Other basal insulin options include Lantus® (insulin glargine U‑100), Toujeo® (insulin glargine U‑300), and Levemir® (insulin detemir). Lantus and Toujeo are once‑daily in many patients; Levemir may require twice‑daily dosing in some cases. Tresiba’s ultra long profile can offer a broader dosing window and lower day‑to‑day variability.

For mealtime coverage, many regimens use rapid‑acting analogs. Some patients use short‑acting regular insulin such as Humulin R 100u ml 10ml with a basal insulin, based on clinical guidance and glucose goals.

People who prefer reusable pens and cartridges may consider compatible devices, such as Novopen 4 Novo Nordisk, when using cartridge‑based insulin presentations. Device choice depends on the insulin format and clinician recommendations.

Combination Therapy

• Type 1 diabetes: Tresiba as basal plus rapid‑acting or short‑acting insulin for meals and corrections.
• Type 2 diabetes: Tresiba alone or with oral agents (e.g., metformin) or injectables (e.g., GLP‑1 receptor agonists).
• When adding or intensifying insulin, background sulfonylurea doses may need reduction to limit hypoglycemia risk.
• When adding a GLP‑1 receptor agonist, clinicians may consider basal dose adjustments to mitigate hypoglycemia.
• Do not mix Tresiba with other insulins. Use separate injections if combining therapies.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Candidates include adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who need basal insulin. Pediatric patients one year and older with type 1 diabetes may also be candidates. It is not for treating diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients with significant renal or hepatic impairment, frequent hypoglycemia, or variable meal patterns need careful evaluation and monitoring.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized planning. Device dexterity, vision, and support also matter when using pens. Always confirm pen strength (U‑100 vs U‑200) before dosing. Dispose of needles safely in a sharps container.

To help manage costs, consider multi‑month orders when appropriate, which may reduce per‑shipment expenses. The U‑200 presentation can decrease the number of pens used for higher daily doses. Set gentle reminders to reorder before running low. CanadianInsulin offers prompt, express, cold‑chain shipping to protect temperature‑sensitive medications.

Authoritative Sources

Manufacturer information for Tresiba (insulin degludec)

FDA Prescribing Information for Tresiba

Health Canada Drug Product Database

Order Tresiba® from CanadianInsulin: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold‑chain handling.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the patient leaflet that comes with your medication.