Tresiba
Tresiba is a injection (pen) made by Novo Nordisk that contains Insulin degludec 100 units/ml. Insulin degludec is a ultra-long-acting insulin: provides steady background insulin for over 24 hours in diabetes.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Insulin degludec | 100 units/ml |
What it is used for
Provides steady background insulin for over 24 hours in diabetes.
How it works
An ultra-long-acting basal insulin lasting more than 42 hours, giving a flat background effect.
How to take it
Inject once a day; the timing can vary if needed (at least 8 hours between doses). Inject under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites. Never share pens. Store spare pens in the fridge (not frozen); the pen in use keeps at room temperature for about 4 weeks.
Common side effects
- Low blood sugar
- Weight gain
- Lumps or dents at injection sites if the same spot is used
Get medical help straight away if
Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food)
Be careful
Can cause low sugar; check sugar levels as advised.
Other medicines and interactions
Alcohol, missed meals and exercise lower sugar further; beta blockers can hide warning signs. Steroids raise sugar. Pioglitazone with insulin can cause fluid build-up.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Insulin is the standard treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding; doses change and need close monitoring.
Common questions
What is Tresiba?
Tresiba is a injection (pen) by Novo Nordisk containing Insulin degludec 100 units/ml.
What is Tresiba used for?
Provides steady background insulin for over 24 hours in diabetes.
How should I take Tresiba?
Inject once a day; the timing can vary if needed (at least 8 hours between doses). Inject under the skin of the tummy, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites. Never share pens. Store spare pens in the fridge (not frozen); the pen in use keeps at room temperature for about 4 weeks. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Tresiba?
Common side effects include: Low blood sugar, weight gain, lumps or dents at injection sites if the same spot is used. Get medical help straight away for: Low blood sugar: shaking, sweating, hunger, confusion or fainting (take 15 g of sugar such as glucose or juice, then food).
Does Tresiba need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Tresiba in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Insulin is the standard treatment for diabetes in pregnancy and is safe while breastfeeding; doses change and need close monitoring.
What are the substitutes for Tresiba?
We have no other brand with exactly the same composition and strength in our list yet. Ask your pharmacist for an equivalent.
Sources and further reading
- Insulin degludec: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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