What is Toujeo Max SoloStar Pen?

It is a long-acting insulin that is available in a sterile solution for subcutaneous injection that contains 300 units/mL. Insulin glargine is made from a non-pathogenic laboratory strain of Escherichia coli through recombinant DNA technology.

Tujeo injection is a sterile, colorless, and aqueous solution for subcutaneous injection. This drug is also available in Toujeo SoloStar prefilled pen.

What is it used for?

Toujeo is a long-acting insulin used to maintain blood sugar levels in patients suffering from adults and children who are 6 years of age with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus and prevent diabetes complications.

How does it work?

Toujeo regulates glucose metabolism in the body. It decreases blood sugar by stimulating peripheral glucose uptake and inhibiting glucose production in the liver. Toujeo may also enhance protein synthesis, Inhibition of lipolysis, and proteolysis.

How to take it?

Inspect if the Toujeo solution appears clear, aqueous solution that is free from particles. Always use a new sterile needle in each administration to avoid contamination and infection. Only administer Toujeo subcutaneously into the abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid. Push the needle into the skin and count slowly to 5 before removing the pen from the injection site. The patient may rotate the injection site to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy and localized cutaneous amyloidosis.

Dosage

The dose will base on each patient. Either based on the type of diabetes, blood glucose monitoring results, metabolic needs, and glycemic control goal. Toujeo Max SoloStar can deliver in 2-unit increments and up to 160 units in a single injection. This drug is recommended in patients taking at least 20 units per day.

Side Effects

The most common side effect of Toujeo is Hypoglycemia. Symptoms of low blood sugar levels are dizziness, light-headedness, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, anxiety, and hunger.

Warnings, Precautions, and Contraindications

Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while in Toujeo treatment. Alcohol may also be avoided as it may cause severe hypoglycemia. Never share Toujeo Max SoloStar Pen with other patients even if the needle is changed. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors, Pramlintide, Salicylates, ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blocking agents, Fluoxetine, SGLT-2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, and other Antidiabetic agents may increase the risk of the patient having low blood sugar.

Adverse Effect

Severe hypersensitivity, low blood sugar, high blood sugar, and low potassium level can be life-threatening. Heart failure and edema may worsen in taking this medication with Thiazolidinediones. Call for medical help if any of this is seen in the patient.

Storage

The sealed Toujeo Pen is refrigerated until the expiration date. Do not freeze the pen and keep them inside the box to protect it from excessive heat or light. Once the patient uses the pen, it can be stored a room temperature for up to 56 days after the first use. Never leave the needle attached to the pen as it could get clogged or contaminated.

Disposal

Throw away used needles in a puncture-resistant container. Do not throw away expired Toujeo Max SoloStar Pen in wastewater. Used needles must discard in a puncture-resistant container that is out of touch with pets and children. Once the container is full, follow community guidelines for the right way of sharps disposal container. Do not recycle used needles to avoid contamination. An empty Toujeo Max SoloStar pen may be thrown away with the household trash after removing the needle.